The changing nature of social work

Defining the nature of social work can be both complex and nebulous. This article seeks to analyse the three historical strands to the subject: (1) the centralisation of poor relief, (2) the development of the philanthropic 'settlement' movement and (3) the proliferation of charitable outreach projects into the community. In so doing, it examines social work and social change, the interface of social work and the law, and the tensions and contradictions within the law governing social work and practice. The boundaries between society, the law and social work practice appear ambiguous, and changes within the state and law have left paradoxes.