ABSTRACT

This chapter provides historical background on social policies, the social welfare system, and the social work profession. It begins with an exploration of cultural practices in pre-industrial societies that gave rise to current programs for people who have low incomes, because social work clients are often living in poverty. The chapter explores the development of US social policies through the early years of the twentieth century. It presents a discussion of the early historical mandates that shaped social policy for the poorest people in early societies and that continue to shape social policy in communities today by examining selected religious and spiritual traditions from around the world. The strengths perspective can be used to reformulate problem-centered approaches in order to better understand needs and create responsive social policies. The examination of historical policy initiatives provides valuable insights that can help social workers, as well as policymakers, to develop more effective policies and programs.