The Place of Feminism in Social Work Tradition Cover Image

Miesto feminizmu v tradícii sociálnej práce
The Place of Feminism in Social Work Tradition

Author(s): Monika Bosá
Subject(s): Gender Studies
Published by: AV ČR - Akademie věd České republiky - Sociologický ústav
Keywords: history of social work; tradition of social work; social work movement; women’s movement; “Mothers“ of social work

Summary/Abstract: The paper explores the close connection between social work and feminist movement and theory. The tradition and history of social work are incomplete without social workers – women activists. The aim of the paper is to examine the historical context of the professionalization of social work in close connection with the first wave of feminism, and to interrogate positions which refuse feminist approaches in social work as marginal, ideological – not objective, or curious and even dangerous, improper. Women’s movement is one of the sources of development and professionalization of social work. Political and social activism of many outstanding women – “Mothers“ of social work – was an integral part of their professional career. This aspect of their lives is, however, all too often “forgotten“ in textbooks. The importance of pride, roots and the tradition is a fundamental aspect for every social work graduate and practitioner, especially as the status of social work in society has been falling.

  • Issue Year: 12/2011
  • Issue No: 01
  • Page Range: 35-43
  • Page Count: 9
  • Language: Czech