The history of social work and the profession of social worker

Social work emerged in Vienna after the First World War, when a large part of the population lived in abject poverty, with many unemployed, war-disabled, widowed or orphaned. In particular, women became involved in either private charitable organisations or in public institutions such as the newly established Youth Welfare Office of the City of Vienna. From this, a new profession for women gradually developed: the social worker.

Hundreds of social workers were employed by the City of Vienna, by religious institutions, or by Jewish organizations. They supported families in need, accompanied children and young people, arranged assistance, and provided counseling in difficult life situations. With professionalization, training institutions and permanent employment contracts were established. During the era of “Red Vienna” (1919–1934), youth welfare services were significantly expanded. Social work increasingly came to be understood as a professional activity with a socio-political dimension. For many women, the profession of social worker meant a new form of paid employment, responsibility and public visibility.

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With the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in March 1938, public welfare work was placed in the service of National Socialist ideology. Jewish and politically undesirable employees were dismissed. Help was now granted or denied according to racial and political criteria. Social workers became Volkspflegerinnen (national care workers) and had to choose between active cooperation, conformity or resistance.

A few social workers secretly supported the persecuted, helped them to escape, or campaigned for change. Those who were forced to flee brought their knowledge from Vienna into exile and developed it further there, or some returned after the war to help rebuild the profession. Many losses were irreplaceable — whether due the expulsion or the murder of their colleagues.

Exploring these life stories therefore remains important to this day. The biographies of women who resisted against the Nazi regime, and in paticular those with a ties to Favoriten — are presented in this exhibition.

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