The 15 Most Influential Social Work Theorists of All Time

15 social work theorists who have shaped the profession. These theorists have made significant contributions to the field of social work through their research, writing, and practice. Their work has helped to shape the way social workers think about and approach social problems.

1. Jane Addams
2. Mary Richmond
3. Clifford Beers
4. Jessie Taft
5. Gordon Hamilton
6. Bertha Reynolds
7. Florence Hollis
8. Carol Meyer
9. Helen Harris Perlman
10. Alfred Kadushin
11. Shulamith Reinharz
12. Charles Garvin
13. Dennis Saleebey
14. David Epston
15. Michael White

These theorists have made significant contributions to the field of social work through their research, writing, and practice. Their work has helped to shape the way social workers think about and approach social problems.

Here is a brief overview of each theorist's contributions:

• Jane Addams was a social reformer and activist who founded Hull House, one of the first settlement houses in the United States. She was a pioneer in the field of social work and her work helped to shape the profession's focus on social justice and community development.
• Mary Richmond was a social worker and author who is considered the "founder" of social work education. She developed the first social work curriculum and her work helped to establish social work as a profession.
• Clifford Beers was a mental health advocate who founded the National Association for Mental Illness (NAMI). His book, "A Mind That Found Itself," helped to raise awareness about mental illness and its impact on individuals and families.
• Jessie Taft was a social worker and educator who developed the theory of social group work. Her work helped to shape the way social workers think about and work with groups.
• Gordon Hamilton was a social worker and educator who developed the theory of functional social work. Her work helped to shape the way social workers think about and practice social work.
• Bertha Reynolds was a social worker and educator who developed the theory of social work as a profession. Her work helped to shape the way social workers think about and practice social work.
• Florence Hollis was a social worker and author who developed the theory of casework. Her work helped to shape the way social workers think about and practice casework.
• Carol Meyer was a social worker and educator who developed the theory of social work practice. Her work helped to shape the way social workers think about and practice social work.
• Helen Harris Perlman was a social worker and author who developed the theory of social work with individuals and families. Her work helped to shape the way social workers think about and practice social work with individuals and families.
• Alfred Kadushin was a social worker and educator who developed the theory of social work supervision. His work helped to shape the way social workers think about and practice social work supervision.
• Shulamith Reinharz was a social work educator and author who developed the theory of feminist social work. Her work helped to shape the way social workers think about and practice social work from a feminist perspective.
• Charles Garvin was a social work educator and author who developed the theory of community organizing. His work helped to shape the way social workers think about and practice community organizing.
• Dennis Saleebey was a social work educator and author who developed the strengths perspective. His work helped to shape the way social workers think about and practice social work from a strengths-based perspective.
• David Epston and Michael White were social work theorists who developed narrative therapy. Their work helped to shape the way social workers think about and practice social work from a narrative perspective.

The work of these theorists has had a profound impact on the field of social work. Their contributions have helped to shape the way social workers think about and approach social problems. They have also helped to make social work a more effective and relevant profession.