Whispers Goehler

Fall HSER 300
Chapter 2 Reading Guide

A History of Human Helping

1. What was the belief about mental illness in the Middle Ages?
People believed that mental illness was caused by Eli's spirits. Feudal Lords maintained responsibility of their wards.

2. What agency provided human services in the 1500s? Why?
The Catholic Church was the Authority Figure responsible for Guiding their A.D world order.

3. What was done to the mentally ill in the early history of Human Services? How were people treated?
Early for,s of "treatment" focused on ridding the body of "evil" spirits via holes in their head, exorcisms, chaining, beatime, starving etc. hell yea, Jesus Saves - or suffer torture!

4. Explain the Elizabethan Poor Law.
Legislation in 1600s specified who was responsible for who, for the ensuing 350 yrs under the pretense of "mounting a large-scale attack on poverty", the belief in the right of public assistance was established.

5. What shifted in Human Services during the Colonial America period in the US?
Large scale immigration, rapid industrialization and widespread urbanization, brought corresponding poverty and Elizabethan 'entitlement' services.

6. What happened in the 19th century that impacted Human Services?
The decline of feudalism, the growth of commerce and the beginning of industrialization, i.e. A new world order of consumerism. The industrial revolution on relocating rural to urban culture. Poor law reform bill.

7. What are Social Philosophies?
A. Individualism?
The individual is solely responsible for conditions of existence. Hard work was the road to success and poverty was the sign of spiritual weakness.
B. Laissez-faire? A concept of "live and let live", negating societies responsibilities.
C. Social Darwinism? "Live and let live" survival of the fittest! Any attempt to help the less fortunate would impede progress and facilitate survival of the "unfit".

8. How/when and why did probation come about? 1831 began Supervision by Sheriffs.

9. Who was Dorothea Dix and what impact did she have on Human Services?
A pioneer in improving conditions and services for people with mental illness during the 19th century. 1843-1853, her "decade of victory" established state hospitals in nine states.

10. How and why did Child Welfare come about?