by: F.R. Duplantier

"Today's social workers hold views about poverty -- what causes it and what they should do about it -- that refute the spirit of welfare reform," charges James Payne of the Heritage Foundation. "The beliefs of modern social workers are practically the opposite of the principles of social assistance developed by the founders of the profession," Payne observes. "The 19th-century charity theorists advocated a highly personalized approach to working with the needy. They emphasized the capacity of poor individuals to respond to life's demands, and believed in pushing them to achieve independence and a better life. The social worker was first and foremost a mentor and advisor, one who guided individuals to improve themselves and make better choices."

The social workers of a century ago recognized that "giveaways of material assistance -- cash, food, housing, clothing -- are generally harmful to the poor," Payne recalls. "Of course, they saw that the poor had need of these things, but they also saw that it was vital that the poor fill these needs for themselves. Well-meaning reformers who stepped in with some form of dole undermined their self-esteem and impaired their capacity to thrive independently." It was understood in those days that "neediness could play a positive, motivating role."

This is not a heartless attitude, but a realistic one, reflecting a keen understanding of human nature, respect for the dignity of the individual, and a sincere desire to see him prosper. "Extreme forms of suffering are indeed incapacitating and therefore harmful," Payne concedes. "But intermediate levels of deprivation -- or the anticipation of such -- motivate constructive choices, from getting up in the morning to go to work, to avoiding bad habits like gambling, alcohol abuse, and overeating."

Using one's eyes to see and one's brain to draw logical conclusions is today stigmatized as "being judgmental," but that, after all, is what eyes and a brain are for. The social workers of the past put them to good use. "The 19th century charity workers expressed strong convictions about what behavior would help people rise from poverty," observes Payne. "They had clear opinions on the obvious vices -- drunkenness, gambling, extramarital sex, idleness, and so forth." Displaying "intolerance" for such delinquent behavior was the epitome of compassion.

This is not to suggest that there are no external factors contributing to neediness. "The 19th-century charity theorists knew that there were many environmental causes of poverty," Payne concedes. "They were fully aware of the unhealthy living conditions of the poor, and the dreadful lack of opportunities they faced. But they also knew that many poor people were held back by their own shortcomings: by vices, by family breakup, by unhealthy habits and shortsighted choices." The social workers of a century ago "endeavored to improve character" in a realistic effort to help the poor lift themselves out of poverty.