Social work and social movements: a no-relation?

Abstract

On a first glance Social Work and Social Movements in German history seemingly had a close relation. While the Women's Movement in the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century had great influence on the professionalization of Social Work the Social Movements in the second half of the 20th century lead to a more political understanding of Social Work and various reforms in the social field. Taking a closer look one can find out that this relation had not been obvious. Mostly in the beginning Social Movements judged Social Work as being apolitical. Thus the later established relations and connections were based on a critique of the methods and paradigms of Social Work. Social Work and contemporary Globalization Critique in Germany up to now don't have many connections although out of the historic analysis this might be helpful for both projects. Key words: Social movements; Social Work; Globalization; Germany.