Blog 3: The Begining of Macro Practice

Macro practice in social work is a professionally guided intervention designed to bring about change in organization, community and policy areas (Pearson). Before macro practice was referred to as macro practice it was known as indirect work. It was known as indirect work because the worker was not directly working with one individual but an entire community of individuals. Not only did this include working with a community of individuals but it also meant working with community’s organizations and services. Like Sen referred to in his article, workers need to be able to build organizations and contribute to social movements all at the same time. (Sen) This goes hand and hand with macro practice because macro practice is working with many groups simultaneously not just one particular group. 

In 1917, Mary Richmond founded the concept of social work. She was one of the first social workers to advocate for not just individuals but individuals outside of themselves.  In doing this macro practice was developed. Richmond used the approach of human relations, social situations, social agencies and environmental aspects. One organization that Richmond can take credit for is the Charity Organization Society which helps ensure that people who receive help will be recorded and only receive aid from one place so that all needy individuals have fair opportunities for assistance.

Jane Addams was another important individual with social work macro practice.  Addams is known for creating settlement houses which are community centers were people in need can go. This was a great place where social workers could hear individual’s stories and their needs so they can advocate for them within the community. (Barker, 1998) These community homes were a great place for individuals to come and receive empowerment from workers who heard their stories and put forth action to change society as a whole. Hardina explained empowerment as confidence, control, decision, authority and influence of the self. (Hardina, 2003) The idea of empowerment came from the government programs that encouraged citizens within the community to be involved in planning for social change. Citizens voices are the ones that need to be heard to know what needs to be put into place for a better society.  Empowerment was important to help society come together to make the change and make the community a better, equal place for every individual.

                                                              
                         Settlement Houses

Throughout the 1900’s there were many movements that assisted in social change and had a great deal to do with social work macro practice. One of the most important acts was the Social Security Act of 1935, a relief program in response to the Great Depression which guaranteed individuals to have money when they retired. (Defining Macro Practice) 1950 was the peak of social change due to the abundance of things happening with woman’s rights, and a large need to create employment opportunities to decrease poverty rates. By the 1960’s society really needed some assistance because that was the time there were the most individuals receiving public assistance. The government developed the Great Society where they would carry leadership in response to the industrialization, poverty, racism and sexism. This movement also provided health, education and employment services (Estes, 2004)

Here is a video of Franklin Rooselvelt signing the Social Security Act of 1935:

Barker, R. (1998). Social Work History. Retrieved February 2, 2012, from National Association of Social Workers: www.naswdc.org

Defining Macro Practice. (n.d.). Retrieved February 2, 2012, from Cengage Learning: www.cengage.com

Estes, R. (2004). Rethinking Macro Content: Modles and Curricular Ideas. Retrieved February 2, 2012, from www.sp2.upenn.edu

Hardina, D. (2003). Linking Citizen Participation to Empowerment Practice: A Historical Overview. In Journal of Community Practice (pp. 11-38). The Haworth Press, Inc.

Pearson. Chapter 1. In Pearson, An Introduction to Macro Practice in Social Work.

Sen, R. Chapter 1: New Realities, Intergrated Strategies. In R. Sen, Action Stir It Up: Lessons in Community Organizing and Advocacy (pp. 1-23). Chardon Press Series.