The history of Human Services is important for us to understand so we can grasp the goals of our current social welfare programs. Decisions about who is considered needy and how they are to be helped are dependent on our economic development, political views, and are often dependent on government resources (Stern & Axinn, 2012).
In research, primary data sources are beneficial when assisting the learner to completely understand every facet of a topic as it relates to the topic of discussion or a body of work. As it pertains to social welfare, it is vital to build a foundation which encompasses past, present and future happenings that will impact the body of work.
While doing research web-sites about primary documents as it relates social welfare policy, the following site seemed useful http://www.ssa.gov/history/pdf/histdev.pdf. The Historical Development document discusses the history of the U.S. Social Welfare structure. There is also an interactive timeline provided for the Social Security Acts and the Development of U.S. Social Security Programs. One is provided a sequential view of the progression of the Development of U.S. Social Security Programs, such as Unemployment, Public Assistance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in 1996 (TANF), Public Housing, National School Lunch Program and the Food Stamp Program, amongst many more programs. This tool has provided this learner an insight to the key historical, political and social events that have impacted our country. As The United States approached the 1900’s, the Great Depression was upon us, which resulted in our government taking a greater role in helping the poor and the establishment of the Social Security Act of 1935.
As one continues to study the history of social welfare, we will began to gain a better understanding of what drives our programs as well as how we can contribute to their success.
Reference:
Axinn, J., & Stern, M. (2012). Social welfare: A history of the American response to need (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon. http://www.ssa.gov/history/pdf/histdev.pdf.
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