In 25 words or more, how is “wholesale social welfare” distinguished from “retail social welfare”?

1. In the article, there is mention about how the personal interests of the early social workers “…were largely consistent with the “progressive” social reform movements of American welfare capitalism” (p. 600). In 25 words or more, how would you describe American welfare capitalism?

2. In 25 words or more, how is “wholesale social welfare” distinguished from “retail social welfare”?

3. In 25 words or more, why do  you think it took until 1974 for CSWE to establish formal accreditation of baccalaureate social work programs?

4. In 25 words or more, what are your thoughts on the following statement: “Efforts to resist such fragmentation grew from the reality that social work, a profession in which the majority of practitioners were women, had developed within an essentially hostile society” (p. 605).

5. Name one tension that has shaped the institutional development of social work education.

6. Come up with a question of your own, from the reading, and in 25 words or more, provide an answer. 

Sample Solution

1. American welfare capitalism refers to the economic and social system in which private businesses operate under government regulation to provide benefits to workers and the public.
2. Wholesale social welfare refers to the provision of social services on a large scale by government agencies, while retail social welfare refers to the provision of social services on an individual basis by private or non-profit organizations.
3. It may have taken until 1974 for CSWE to establish formal accreditation of baccalaureate social work programs due to the diversity of programs and the need to establish common standards and guidelines for quality education in the field.
4. The statement highlights the challenges faced by women in social work due to societal attitudes and gender roles, which created a hostile environment and necessitated resistance against fragmentation and discrimination.