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FOUNDERS OF SOCIAL WORK AND THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS
Social work as a profession did not emerge by accident. It was built by visionaries who responded to human suffering with structure, compassion and organised action. Their ideas laid the foundation for modern social work practice across the world.
JANE ADDAMS is widely regarded as the mother of social work. She founded Hull House in Chicago, which became a centre for community development, education and social reform. Her work emphasised social justice, community engagement and advocacy for marginalised populations.
MARY RICHMOND played a critical role in professionalising social work. She developed the concept of social casework and introduced systematic methods for assessing and addressing individual and family problems. Her work helped move social work from charity to a recognised profession.
OCTAVIA HILL contributed significantly to housing reform and social welfare. She believed in personal responsibility combined with social support and worked extensively with the urban poor, shaping early ideas of social housing management.
FLORENCE KELLEY focused on social reform through policy and legislation. She advocated for labour rights, child protection and improved working conditions, linking social work practice with legal and policy frameworks.
ELEANOR RATHBONE advanced family welfare and social security reforms. Her advocacy influenced income support systems and the recognition of unpaid care work within social policy.
Ccto: CareHoldings
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23/01/2026