One of the central narratives of the book is the transition from "Beneficence" (charity) to "Social Action" and finally to professional Social Work. Ramírez dissects how the Catholic tradition of charity in the 19th century was eventually supplanted by a secular, state-led approach to social problems in the early 20th century. She argues that the professionalization of Social Work was not an isolated event but a requirement of a modernizing state that needed technical solutions to social marginalization.
A substantial portion of the text focuses on the 1960s and 70s, a period known as the Reconceptualization of Social Work. This was a time when Latin American social workers began to question the "technocratic" and "clinical" focus of the profession. Ramírez documents how the profession pivoted
In his seminal work Historia del Trabajo Social en México (first published in 1998 with subsequent updates), Elí Evangelista Martínez
provides a critical reconstruction of the profession's trajectory, moving beyond linear evolutionary narratives. Published by Plaza y Valdés in collaboration with the UNAM School of Social Work, the book argues that social work is a construction of modernity rather than a mere evolution of traditional charity. Key Thematic Framework
Evangelista challenges the "myth of origin" that links social work exclusively to religious charity or capitalist interests. Instead, he frames it as a complex, often contradictory discipline shaped by:
Political Power: The alignment of social action with state-led assistance policies.
Institutionalization: The shift from home visits and "gregarious survival instincts" to formalized social welfare systems.
Professional Identity: The role of women and the influence of social sciences in legitimizing the field. Historical Periodization One of the central narratives of the book
The author divides the development of Mexican social work into distinct chronological stages: 1521–1920
Forms of Aid & Social Action: From colonial charity and indigenous solidarity to post-independence welfare. 1920–1933
Antecedents: Early professionalization attempts following the Mexican Revolution, leading to the first school in 1933. 1934–1993
Historical Development: The consolidation of the profession under the Cardenismo era and its expansion during the "miracle" years. Modern Era
Reconceptualization: Critical reflection on the profession's methods and its role in a globalized, neoliberal context. Theoretical Contributions
Evangelista argues that social workers often suffer from a "blurring" of their professional identity because they are frequently viewed as mere administrators of institutional policy. He proposes a shift toward transmodernity, where the professional prioritizes social commitment over the individualistic "metanarratives" of traditional modernity. Legacy and Continued Study
Historia del trabajo social en México - Elí Evangelista Ramírez - Google Books A substantial portion of the text focuses on
In his influential work, Historia del Trabajo Social en México (Ed. Plaza y Valdés, 2001), Elí Evangelista Ramírez
presents a story of professional evolution that moves far beyond simple charity. He argues that Social Work in Mexico was not a linear progression from religious aid but a product of modernity, shaped by the shifting political and economic landscape of the nation.
The "story" of this profession, as Evangelista Ramírez frames it, can be broken down into these defining chapters: 1. The Colonial Roots (1521–1821)
Long before the term "Social Work" existed, the Spanish era established the first formal systems of aid in Mexico. This period was dominated by Social Action through religious institutions, focusing on "hospitals" (which functioned more as shelters) and indigenous welfare. 2. Transition and Independence (1821–1920)
As Mexico moved toward secularization, social aid began to shift from the church to the state. This era saw the rise of more organized public assistance, culminating in the social upheaval of the Mexican Revolution, which highlighted the desperate need for institutionalized responses to poverty and inequality. 3. The Emergence of the Profession (1920–1933)
This "pre-technical" phase marks the birth of formal training. The state began creating specific roles to manage social welfare, laying the groundwork for the first educational programs in the 1930s. 4. Institutionalization and Modern Growth (1934–1993)
The core of the book tracks the profession's expansion alongside the growth of the Mexican state. Key developments included: Published by Plaza y Valdés in collaboration with
The Lázaro Cárdenas Era: Social work became essential for land reform and rural missions.
Professional Maturity: The creation of the National School of Social Work at UNAM and the integration of social workers into healthcare, education, and rural development programs.
Contradiction and Complexity: Evangelista Ramírez emphasizes that the field's history is "complex and contradictory," as social workers often had to balance their professional ethics with the rigid social assistance policies of the government. 5. Final Reflections: A Modern Identity
Evangelista Ramírez concludes that Mexican Social Work is an "art-science". It is a profession that must constantly redefine itself to answer the specific social problems of the present, moving from mere assistance to active social justice. If you'd like to dive deeper, I can help you with:
Specific biographical details on Elí Evangelista Ramírez and his impact on Mexican academia.
A comparison of these stages with global Social Work milestones (like the work of Mary Richmond or Jane Addams).
How these historical stages apply to modern social policy in Mexico today.
Historia del trabajo social en México - Elí Evangelista Ramírez
Because the keyword includes the term "fixed," it is likely that the searcher is looking for a confirmed, non-corrupted digital copy or a reliable physical reference. Physical copies of the 2001 edition can still be found in major university libraries in Mexico (UNAM, UAM, Universidad de Guadalajara), the US (UCLA, UT Austin’s Nettie Lee Benson Collection), and Europe (University of Salamanca). Digital versions are not legally available for free, but limited previews exist through Google Books and digital repositories of Plaza y Valdés. Be cautious of user-uploaded PDFs on academic social networks; many are scanned from earlier, incomplete editions and lack the final two chapters of the 2001 fixed version.