Q&A on historical influences on the development of social work

Q: What is the origin of many of the global historical influences on the development of social work and social welfare?

A: Many of the global historical influences on the development of social work and social welfare originated in ancient societies of Europe and Asia.

Q: What is the significance of the Books of the Dead in the context of social work history?

A: The Books of the Dead, Egyptian papyrus scrolls, were placed in many pyramids spelling out a king’s duties, including care for the sick, hungry, and homeless, and represent an early example of social welfare efforts.

Q: What was King Hammurabi's contribution to social work history?

A: In Babylonia, King Hammurabi issued a code of justice requiring that people help each other in times of need, representing another early example of social welfare efforts.

Q: What did Prince Asoka of India do in the 3rd century BCE that was significant for social welfare efforts?

A: Prince Asoka of India endowed hospitals and shelters for both people and animals, representing an early example of social welfare efforts.

Q: What is the significance of the Magna Carta in the context of social work history?

A: The Magna Carta, issued in England in 1215, established human rights but only for the privileged class, representing an early example of efforts to protect the rights of some individuals.

Q: What is the Elizabethan Poor Law and how did it contribute to the development of social welfare?

A: The Elizabethan Poor Law, established in England in 1601 and lasting for nearly 200 years, taxed people to support the basic needs of dependent people in their communities and harshly punished the "able-bodied" poor, providing a model on which colonial American laws were based.

Q: What role did religious and spiritual influences play in the development of social welfare across different cultures and time periods?

A: Religious and spiritual influences provided guidance for responding to the needs of disadvantaged members of society, drawing on common principles recognizing the importance of compassion for those in need.

Q: What is the main message of the article "Historical Milestones in the Development of Social Work and Social Welfare"?

A: The article explores the origins and evolution of social welfare efforts across different cultures and time periods, emphasizing the global historical influences that shaped the development of social work and social welfare.