In which historical period can the roots of macro social work practice be found?

The roots of macro social work practice are most prominently found in the Progressive Era, which spans from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. This period was characterized by significant social reforms aimed at addressing the various issues that arose due to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and immigration.

During the Progressive Era, social workers began to recognize the need for a broader approach to address societal problems, advocating for systemic changes rather than just focusing on individual issues. This led to the establishment of various social welfare programs and legislation aimed at improving community conditions, labor rights, and public health. The emphasis on social justice and the well-being of communities reflects the foundational principles of macro social work, which looks beyond the individual and engages with larger systems and structures to achieve social change.

The other periods mentioned also saw important developments related to social work but did not catalyze the same level of focus on macro practices. For instance, while the Civil Rights Era brought vital attention to issues of racial equality and justice, it was primarily about civil rights advocacy. The Industrial Revolution focused on economic changes and labor conditions, laying the groundwork for social concerns, but without the structured social work practice we recognize today. Similarly, the New Deal Era introduced important welfare initiatives