Charitable competition

Social work in the UK began as a voluntary and charitable activity undertaken by visiting societies at the end of the 18th century. However, during the 20th century the state assumed many of the functions traditionally undertaken by voluntary organizations. This has led to a system in which all social work is undertaken in the same way everywhere, having a significant impact on the nature of the services provided. There are dangers associated with the government having a monopoly on the provision of welfare services, including the dissemination through training of inappropriate ideas.