ABSTRACT
The exact beginnings and origins of the profession of social work are diffi cult to determine, but ample evidence throughout history suggests that what has come to be recognized as social work has been performed for thousands of years. This work, often performed by persons affi liated with religious institutions, usually took the form of providing tangible goods and services to impoverished people confronted with health problems. As you will learn in this chapter, this “charity” work evolved over the centuries to include the provision of mental health services, community organization and development work, and advocacy for groups of people experiencing oppression whose voices are not heard by decision makers.
