NASW: History, Ethics, and Evolution of Social Work

Introduction to the NASW

In the postwar era, the need for social workers increased significantly with the rise of industrialization and the return of veterans to civilian life. Counseling, adjustment to a new way of life, and the demands of a rapidly changing society all necessitated the establishment of social work as a viable profession. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) was established in 1955 to consolidate seven organizations in the field: the American Association of Social Workers (AASW), the American Association of Psychiatric Social Workers (AAPSW), the American Association of Group Workers (AAGW), the Association for the Study of Community Organization (ASCO), the American Association of Medical Social Workers (AAMSW), the National Association of School Social Workers (NASSW), and the Social Work Research Group (SWRG). It is one of the leading associations of social workers in the world, boasting more than 150,000 members (History of the NASW, 2011, NASW).

The NASW was designed to establish professional legitimacy and support for the social work profession and to create ethical standards for all involved in the field. The diversity of organizations encompassed within its original outreach reflects the continued diversity of the profession. Because social workers operate in such a wide variety of professional contexts, it is essential to ensure that they share a common framework of reference when confronted with unexpected situations or ethical dilemmas. The NASW defines the essential values of the organization as service, social justice, dignity and worth, relationships, integrity, and competence. Social workers can serve in a variety of settings, including schools, medical facilities, and even for-profit corporations. They can serve a variety of populations, ranging from the poor, the mentally ill, and the elderly to specific in-house populations such as corporate employees and members of the military. Because of this diversity, a cohesive organization like the NASW is extremely valuable in providing a consistent sense of mission and standards (Helping social workers serve the nation, 2011, NASW).

Today, according to its website: "NASW's primary functions include promoting the professional development of its members, establishing and maintaining professional standards of practice, advancing sound social policies, and providing services that protect its members and enhance their professional status. The Association developed and adopted the NASW Code of Ethics and other generalized and specialized practice standards" (History of the NASW, 2011, NASW). The organization is structured with a national, centralized umbrella organization and 56 regional chapters (Helping social workers serve the nation, 2011, NASW). Because social work may vary from state to state in terms of laws, regulations, and professional challenges, this structure allows for consistent national authority paired with the flexibility to address regional needs. Membership is most heavily concentrated in the high-population states of California and New York, which have large urban populations, while membership is lowest in rural states in the Midwest and Southeast (Helping social workers serve the nation, 2011, NASW).

Why the Association Was Formed

The NASW was formed to provide greater coherence and consistency of mission in realizing the goals of the profession. By stressing the commonalities of all social workers, regardless of their location or area of practice, the organization aims to create a cohesive platform of advocacy for all clients in need of support. Today, the organization provides professional and practical support — such as licensing information on a state-by-state basis — while also affirming the general principles that guide all social workers.

How the Association Has Evolved

Although social workers can serve in a wide variety of contexts, NASW Executive Director Elizabeth Clark has emphasized that the profession carries a special duty to the "disadvantaged, disenfranchised, invisible, and forgotten. As social workers, we stand squarely on their side" (Clark, 2010, p. 2). The origins of modern social work can be traced to the Settlement House Movement and the work of Jane Addams, who provided shelter and services for poor immigrant communities. Harry Hopkins, who also worked in the Settlement House Movement, drafted a charter for the American Association of Social Workers — a precursor to the NASW — and was elected its president in 1923 (Clark, 2010, pp. 5–6). The anti-poverty movement is strongly linked to the development of the NASW both historically and today, even as social workers have come to serve an increasingly diverse array of populations. The organization has also evolved to address the practical needs of social workers themselves, which can include "low salaries, high educational debt, and serious safety concerns" (Clark, 2010, p. 9).

Conclusion

The NASW remains one of the most important professional associations in the United States, providing a coherent ethical and organizational framework for a workforce that serves some of society's most vulnerable populations. From its founding in 1955 through the consolidation of seven predecessor organizations, to its current role in setting professional standards and advocating for both clients and social workers alike, the NASW has continuously evolved to meet the changing demands of American society. Its Code of Ethics, regional chapter structure, and commitment to social justice ensure that the profession maintains both consistency and adaptability into the future.