UMass Boston

Course Overview

Description

This course examines the historical development of social welfare provision in the United States from the colonial era to the present. The social economic, political, and cultural trends of society at large provide the context for both the identification of human service needs and the development of strategies to accommodate these needs throughout various historical periods. Particular attention is given to the interplay between historical context and changes in values, attitudes and policies. Recurring issues such as a private vs. state-based provision, determination of 'the needy', and the impact of gender, class, race/ethnicity and economic change on social welfare ideas and practices will be considered.