cause-versus-function issue

The controversial historical dichotomy in social work between social reform activities and social casework. Some early social workers, such as Jane Addams (1860– 1935), advocated a cause orientation, emphasizing social change through political action and community organization. Others, such as Mary Richmond (1861–1928), stressed the function of individual betterment through the technical skills of the social worker, such as interviewing and advice giving. The current view among most social workers is that the field must include both cause and function orientations.