The Historical Dimension of Social Work Practices in Spain: Development Process and Current Policies

Social work is an interdisciplinary field aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals and societies, shaped on the foundation of social justice and human rights. The objective of this study is to evaluate the concept of social work through the case of Spain, which possesses an established system in Europe, and to elucidate the country's current practices alongside their outcomes. Designed as a review study, this article examines the relationship between the development of Spain's social policy and the evolution of its social structure from a historical perspective. It discusses how the church-centered assistance that began in the Middle Ages transformed into an institutional, decentralized, and rights-based structure through the industrialization process, the democratization of the 1970s, and the 1985 Social Services Law. The literature review indicates that the current system is shaped by the multi-layered collaboration of the state, local governments, and non-governmental organizations. While inclusive policies directed at the integration of Roma (Gitano) communities, education, and care programs for the elderly and people with disabilities such as IMSERSO are examined, attention is also drawn to economic challenges and access issues in rural areas. By presenting the evolution of social work in Spain through a holistic approach, this article provides a conceptual framework for social policy debates in Europe and contributes to the existing literature.