Second Exam Period_PresMat

Historical Development of Community Organization

Western Perspective of Historical Development of Community OrganizationA. 1865 to 1914

• Emergence of Social Issues: After the Civil War, the U.S. faced social challenges leading up to World War I. Key issues included rapid industrialization, urbanization, and immigration, as well as changes from the post-Civil War era.

• Industrialization: This led to problems like poor working conditions, long hours, and child labor.

• Urbanization: Resulted in overcrowding and inadequate living conditions, as highlighted by activist Jane Addams.

B. Immigration and Ideological Currents

• A large influx of immigrants brought varied social and religious institutions.

• Ideologies impacting community organization included Social Darwinism, radicalism, pragmatism, and liberalism.

• Significant challenges: industrialization, poverty, race relations, and cultural conflicts.

C. Ideologies from 1865 to 1914

• Social Darwinism: Considered social welfare efforts as interference with 'natural law.'

• Radical Ideology: Focused on mobilizing the oppressed, influenced by Marxist ideas.

• Pragmatism: Emphasized efficiency rather than strict methods.

• Liberalism: Promoted human rights and social action for community organizing.

D. Community Organization Categories

• Social Welfare Activities: Actions related to entities like Charity Organization Societies and settlement houses.

• Non-social Program Actions: Activities not directly tied to social programs, such as political organizations and racial action groups.

E. 1915 to 1929

• Post-WWI Context: There was increased urbanization, industrial growth, and racial conflicts.

• The rise of groups like the Ku Klux Klan and major crises over civil liberties occurred.

• Psychoanalysis: Led to a shift from charitable interventions to therapeutic approaches to individual issues.

F. Growth of Welfare Institutions

• Agencies such as Community Chest and United Fund were founded to support financing of social welfare services.

• The first decade of the 20th century saw the development of

  increasing professionalism among those who helped the poor

  that led to the charity organization societies to found schools

  of philanthropy which later became schools of social work.

G. 1929 to 1954

• Great Depression: Resulted in widespread unemployment, bank failures, and foreclosures.

• Increased government involvement in social welfare programs as planners and promoters.

• Policies such as the Social Security Act signaled a shift to a national focus on community organization.

H. 1955 to 1968

• Civil Rights Movement: Active assertion of rights by minority groups, including women and the elderly.

• Expansion of training and programs for community organizing.

Historical Background of Community Organization in the PhilippinesA. Precolonial Period

• Small communities known as barangays exhibited mutual protection practices; datus led these communities to ensure welfare.

B. Spanish Period (1521 – 1898)

• Communities were organized into pueblos; the introduction of Christianity affected social structures.

• Rising health and welfare issues due to population concentration led to the establishment of almshouses and reformatories.

C. American Period (1899-1946)

• Social justice concepts, educational systems, and public health programs were introduced.

• Coordinating agencies for social welfare were created under American governance.

D. Commonwealth Period

• Focus on setting up social justice and public welfare systems under Filipino governance.

E. Martial Law

• Declared by Marcos in 1972, leading to suppression of dissent and repression of activists.

• Despite political repression, NGOs initiated grassroots organizing efforts.

F. People Power and Beyond

• Community organizing was pivotal in the People Power Revolution of 1986 and subsequent administrations faced governance and social justice issues.

Historical Practice of Community Practice (Philippines)

• Community Chest: Historical fundraising for social welfare needs.

• Settlement House Movement: Provided temporary housing and community resources.

• Trade Union Movement: Advocated for workers' rights through organized labor.

• Women’s Movement: Notable advancements in feminist organizing and suffrage efforts.

Community Organizing: Key Thinkers and Foundations

• Paulo Freire: Focused on educating the oppressed for their liberation.

• Saul Alinsky: Promoted grassroots organizing strategies.

• Liberation Theology: Advocated for justice for the poor through political activism.

Conclusion

The history of community organization in both the U.S. and the Philippines highlights how socio-political contexts have shaped the evolution of social justice and welfare practices, leading to significant changes in public engagement and advocacy for social issues. The impact of these historical developments is evident in the ongoing efforts for rights and equity in both regions.

Authors and Thinkers Discussed

• Jane Addams: Activist known for her work on social issues during industrialization.

• Karl Marx: Influential in developing radical ideologies regarding class struggle and oppression.

• Paulo Freire: Emphasized education as a tool for liberation.

• Saul Alinsky: Noted for his strategies in community organizing.

• Liberation Theology: Advocated for social justice through faith and action.