Introduction
Social group work is a method in social work where people come together in small groups to share experiences, support each other, and work on common goals. It is used in schools, hospitals, community centers, and other settings. Understanding the origin of social group work helps us see how it became a key method in social work practice.
Historical Background
The idea of helping people through groups has been around for centuries. However, social group work as a professional method developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially in Western countries.
Early Influences
1. Settlement House Movement
This movement began in England and the United States in the 1880s. Social workers lived among the poor and started group activities like reading clubs, craft classes, and discussions to improve the lives of community members.
2. YMCA and YWCA
These organizations promoted group activities such as games, physical training, and leadership programs. They helped people develop socially, emotionally, and physically through group interactions.
3. Boy Scouts and Girl Guides
These movements showed how structured group activities could help build confidence, discipline, and leadership skills in young people.
Development in the United States
In the early 20th century, social group work was recognized as a professional method. Educational institutions began offering courses in group work. Professionals like Grace Coyle and Gisela Konopka made major contributions by writing books and teaching about the use of group work in social services.
Introduction in India
Social group work was introduced in India through professional schools of social work. The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), established in 1936, was the first to train social workers in group methods. Indian social workers adapted group work to local cultures and communities.
Examples of Group Work
- Forming a support group for teenagers dealing with stress.
- Organizing a women’s self-help group in a rural village.
- Running a therapy group for people recovering from addiction.
Conclusion
The origin of social group work shows how people realized the power of working together in groups to solve problems and improve their lives. From informal beginnings to professional practice, group work continues to play an important role in helping individuals and communities.