Charity organization movement

Definition

The charity organization movement emerged in the late 19th century as a response to the challenges of poverty and social disorganization, aiming to improve charitable efforts through systematic organization and coordination. This movement emphasized the need for scientific approaches to charity, advocating for the professionalization of social work and the establishment of centralized charitable agencies to effectively address the needs of the poor. It marked a shift from individual, ad-hoc charitable efforts to a more structured approach, laying the groundwork for modern social welfare systems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The charity organization movement began in the 1870s and was largely influenced by social reformers who sought to tackle urban poverty effectively.
2. Key figures in this movement included people like Josephine Shaw Lowell and Mary Richmond, who played significant roles in advocating for organized charity and professional social work.
3. The movement introduced principles such as casework, emphasizing individualized assistance based on understanding clients' unique circumstances.
4. Organizations formed during this period, such as the Charity Organization Society in London, became models for similar entities across the world.
5. The charity organization movement laid a foundation for the later development of social welfare policies and practices, influencing government involvement in poverty alleviation.

Review Questions

• How did the charity organization movement change the approach to addressing poverty in society?
  • The charity organization movement transformed how society addressed poverty by promoting a structured and systematic approach to charity. Instead of uncoordinated efforts by individuals or small groups, this movement advocated for centralized charitable agencies that could assess needs and provide tailored assistance. By introducing principles like casework and focusing on individual circumstances, it improved effectiveness in alleviating poverty and ensured that resources were used more wisely.
• Discuss the role of key figures in the charity organization movement and how their contributions shaped modern social welfare practices.
  • Key figures like Josephine Shaw Lowell and Mary Richmond were instrumental in shaping the charity organization movement by advocating for organized charity efforts and professionalizing social work. Lowell's emphasis on scientific methods in philanthropy and Richmond's development of casework techniques helped establish standards for assessing individual needs within charitable contexts. Their contributions laid essential groundwork for modern social welfare practices, emphasizing both efficiency and compassion in service delivery.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the charity organization movement on contemporary social policy regarding poverty alleviation.
  • The long-term impacts of the charity organization movement are significant, as it fundamentally reshaped social policy regarding poverty alleviation. By promoting a systematic approach to charity and establishing centralized agencies, it influenced government involvement in welfare provision. The principles introduced by this movement continue to resonate today, as contemporary social policy often emphasizes evidence-based practices, accountability, and professional standards in addressing poverty, reflecting an ongoing commitment to organized assistance for those in need.

Related terms

philanthropy: The act of donating money, goods, or services to support charitable causes and improve the well-being of others.

social work: A profession that focuses on helping individuals, families, and communities enhance their well-being through various support services and interventions.

poor law: Legislation enacted in England during the 19th century aimed at providing assistance to the poor through local parish relief systems.