social work

American  

noun

1. organized work directed toward the betterment of social conditions in the community, as by seeking to improve the condition of people in poverty, to promote the welfare of children, etc.

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social work British  

noun

1. any of various social services designed to alleviate the conditions of the poor and aged and to increase the welfare of children

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Other Word Forms

• social worker noun

Etymology

Origin of social work

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

“My real purpose is to teach them content. … I’m not trained in psychology. I’m not trained in social work,” she added.

From Los Angeles Times

The judge noted from a criminal justice social work report that Cristiano had not accepted the guilty verdict.

From BBC

Another document seen by the BBC revealed Glasgow City Council's social work department knew of allegations against the Daniels in 1999.

From BBC

The film introduces various members of Mason’s investigative squad, including Clark Williams, a stay-at-home dad with a background in social work who also hailed from Wisconsin.

From Los Angeles Times

Katie Graden-Tyson, a social work assistant from Belfast, said she views medication as a last resort but is struggling to cope without support.

From BBC