User:Ursasapien/Sandbox/Project 3

Social work is a social science involving the application of social theory and research methods to study and improve the lives of people, groups, and societies. It incorporates and utilizes other social sciences as a means to improve the human condition and positively change society's response to chronic problems. Social Work is the profession committed to the pursuit of social justice, to the enhancement of the quality of life, and to the development of the full potential of each individual, group and community in society. It is unique in that it seeks to simultaneously address and resolve social issues at every level of society and economic status (but especially among the poor and sick). Social Workers are concerned with social problems, their causes, their solutions and their human impacts. They work with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.

Social work as a defined pursuit and profession began in the 19th century. This was in response to societal problems that resulted from the Industrial Revolution. Eventually an increasing number of educational institutions began to offer social work programs. The settlement movement emphasized advocacy and case work. During the 20th century, the profession began to rely more on research and evidenced-based practice as it attempted to improve it's professionalism. Today social workers are employed in a myriad of pursuits and settings. Social workers have organized themselves into local, national, and international professional bodies to further the aims of the profession.