Concepción Arenal: a radical pioneer of anti-oppressive social work

This article repositions Spanish intellectual Concepción Arenal (1820–93) as a ‘radical pioneer’ of anti-oppressive social work. While dominant histories of the profession privilege the contributions of Anglo-American figures like Mary Richmond and Jane Addams, the article highlights how Arenal developed a structurally aware, ethically grounded vision of social intervention decades earlier. Through such writings as The Manual for the Visitor of the Poor , she critiqued ideological, institutional, interpersonal and internalised forms of oppression and promoted values including dignity, respect, collective solidarity, compassion and justice. Her integration of Christian ethics, feminist insight and critical pedagogy anticipated many principles of contemporary anti-oppressive practice. The article contrasts her work with mainstream 19th-century approaches to charity and shows how her legacy aligns with current critical social work movements. Reclaiming Arenal’s contributions challenges hegemonic narratives and expands the historical genealogy of social work, offering a more plural, justice-oriented vision relevant to current struggles against neoliberalism, inequality and professional burnout.