Social Welfare History
Social welfare historians study the evolution of charitable efforts, social reforms, and historical responses to social problems. Many of the individuals and organizations we study were religiously-motivated, making their stories important examples of integrating faith and social work practice. This area of research is often interdisciplinary and identifies historical patterns of helping to connect these to our current social work practices. By identifying myths and misinformation about the lives of vulnerable populations over time, we can better advocate for their struggles. Research methods include analyzing historical documents and using oral history interviews to uncover new ways of understanding our past.
- Dr. Scales: From Personal Service to Church Social Work: Woman's Missionary Union and Social Ministry in the Twentieth Century
- Dr. Scales and MSW graduate Elizabeth Henry: We are glad God has sent these people to us
- Dr. Boddie: The Ward: Race and Class in DuBois' Seventh Ward
- Dr. Polson & Dr. Scales: Good Neighbor House: Reimagining Settlement Houses for 21st Century Communities