Beschreibung
In her late work “Paths toward a Science of
Welfare and Care” Ilse Arlt (1876 – 1960), the Austrian
pioneer of scientific social work, summarizes the central
points of her theory of social-welfare-oriented,
individualized social work, which is anchored in poverty and
wellbeing reseach. According to Arlt help can turn into
self-help only if the helper strengthens the capacity of the
individual to make their own decisions and consume
creatively. Therefore, the concept of “creative consuming”
is a major aspect of her needs-based theory.
Maria Maiss teaches history, theories and
ethics of social work at the University of Applied Studies
in St. Pölten and at the Universities of Vienna and Graz.
