Book Reference: Historia del trabajo social by Eli Evangelista Ramírez. Publisher: Plaza y Valdés (Mexico, 2001).
In the academic landscape of Latin American social work, few texts manage to capture the complex socio-political evolution of the profession with as much precision as the work of Eli Evangelista Ramírez. For students, professors, and practicing social workers, locating a reliable, fixed, and citable source for the history of the discipline is paramount. The keyword phrase historia del trabajo social eli evangelista ramirez ed plaza y valdes mexico 2001 fixed represents more than just a bibliographic citation—it is an acknowledgment of a specific, authoritative edition that has served as a cornerstone for understanding how social work developed in Mexico and beyond.
Published in 2001 by the prestigious Ediciones Plaza y Valdés in Mexico City, this particular edition of Historia del Trabajo Social remains a "fixed" point of reference. Unlike digital resources that may change or disappear, this physical and bibliographically stable text provides a canonical narrative that continues to shape curricula across Ibero-America.
This is the heart of the book. The author details the founding of the first formal School of Social Work in Mexico City (1940), heavily influenced by European and North American models. She critically examines the "medical model" of casework that dominated the era, where social workers were auxiliaries to doctors and lawyers. She highlights the shift from visita domiciliaria (home visit as surveillance) to a more diagnostic approach.
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Headline: 📚 A classic reference for Mexican Social Work history
Body:
If you are studying the roots of Social Work in Mexico, Eli Evangelista Ramírez’s “Historia del Trabajo Social” (Plaza y Valdés, 2001) remains an essential text.
This book is not just a timeline—it offers a critical analysis of the profession’s evolution, from its charitable origins to its institutional and scientific consolidation in Mexico. Evangelista Ramírez provides a structured look at key periods, methods, and the ideological shifts that shaped contemporary Social Work.
Why read it in 2025?
Correct citation (APA 7th):
Evangelista Ramírez, E. (2001). Historia del trabajo social. Plaza y Valdés.
🔍 Find it: Check university libraries or Plaza y Valdés digital archives.
👇 Have you read this work? What other Mexican authors would you add to this list?
#TrabajoSocial #HistoriaDelTrabajoSocial #México #PlazayValdés #EliEvangelistaRamírez #SocialWorkHistory #TS #InvestigaciónSocial
Book Review
Title: Historia del Trabajo Social Author: Eli Evangelista Ramírez Edition: Fixed (Presumably 1st or reprint) Publisher: Plaza y Valdés (México) Year: 2001
Review
Eli Evangelista Ramírez’s Historia del Trabajo Social (2001), published by Plaza y Valdés in Mexico, is a foundational text aimed primarily at undergraduate students of social work, particularly within the Latin American context. The book distinguishes itself by moving beyond a simple chronological recounting of events; instead, it attempts to weave the professionalization of social work into the broader socio-political and economic fabric of Mexican and international history.
Structure and Content
The book is organized into thematic and chronological chapters, typically beginning with the pre-professional antecedents of charity and social assistance in Europe (e.g., the influence of the Industrial Revolution and the Catholic Church) before transitioning to the specific development of the discipline in Mexico. A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the institutionalization of social work in Mexico during the post-revolutionary period (1920s–1940s), examining the creation of the first formal training schools. Evangelista Ramírez critically analyzes how the profession evolved from a charitable, often paternalistic, model to a more technical and, eventually, a critical-dialectical approach influenced by the reconceptualization movement of the 1970s.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Conclusion
Historia del Trabajo Social by Eli Evangelista Ramírez remains a reliable, if slightly dated, cornerstone for understanding the historical trajectory of social work in Mexico. Its critical approach and contextual richness make it superior to purely celebratory or institutional histories. For contemporary students, it should be supplemented with newer texts that cover neoliberal globalization and 21st-century social movements, but as a grounding in the essential historical debates, it is highly recommended.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 – Essential for Mexican social work history, with minor caveats regarding currency of sources)
One of the central narratives of the book is the transition from "Beneficence" (charity) to "Social Action" and finally to professional Social Work. Ramírez dissects how the Catholic tradition of charity in the 19th century was eventually supplanted by a secular, state-led approach to social problems in the early 20th century. She argues that the professionalization of Social Work was not an isolated event but a requirement of a modernizing state that needed technical solutions to social marginalization.
Unlike many histories that begin in Europe, Evangelista Ramírez dedicates significant space to pre-Hispanic systems of mutual aid in Mesoamerica. She discusses the calpullis (community organizations) and the Aztec concept of collective responsibility. She then traces how Spanish colonization introduced Catholic charity through confraternities and hospitals, creating a hybrid model of assistance that blended indigenous communalism with colonial paternalism.
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In his work Historia del Trabajo Social (2001), Eli Evangelista Martínez provides a comprehensive critical analysis of how Social Work evolved in Mexico and Latin America. Rather than a simple timeline of events, Evangelista frames the profession’s history as a transition from charity and philanthropy to a scientific and political discipline. The Shift from Welfare to Science Book Reference: Historia del trabajo social by Eli
Evangelista argues that early Social Work was rooted in "assistentialism"—largely driven by religious and private efforts to alleviate poverty without addressing its causes. However, the 20th century, particularly the post-Revolutionary period in Mexico, integrated Social Work into the state apparatus. The profession became a tool for social policy implementation, helping the government manage public health, education, and labor issues. The Reconceptualization Movement
A core theme in the book is the Reconceptualization Movement of the 1960s and 70s. Evangelista highlights this as a turning point where Latin American social workers rejected traditional, "imported" methods from the U.S. and Europe. Instead, they sought a more militant and transformative approach that focused on social justice, class struggle, and empowering the marginalized to change their own reality. Professional Identity
The book emphasizes that Social Work is not a static field. Evangelista views it as a "social construction" that constantly adapts to the economic and political climate. By 2001, he posits that the challenge for modern social workers is to balance technical efficiency with a deep ethical commitment to human rights, moving beyond mere "service delivery" to become agents of structural change. Conclusion
Eli Evangelista’s perspective is essential for understanding that Social Work is not just about "doing good," but about understanding the power dynamics of society. His history serves as a call to action for professionals to maintain a critical stance and continue evolving alongside the social needs of the population.
La obra "Historia del Trabajo Social" de Eli Evangelista Martínez (publicada por Plaza y Valdés en México, 2001) no es solo un libro de texto; es una pieza fundamental para entender la evolución del pensamiento social en América Latina.
A continuación, exploramos los puntos clave que hacen de este texto una referencia obligatoria para estudiantes y profesionales. 1. El Enfoque Crítico de Eli Evangelista
A diferencia de otros autores que presentan la historia del Trabajo Social como una simple línea de tiempo de "buen samaritano", Evangelista Martínez propone una visión histórico-crítica. Para él, el Trabajo Social no nace solo de la caridad, sino de la necesidad del Estado y del sistema económico de gestionar las contradicciones sociales. 2. Contextualización en el México Moderno
Publicado bajo el sello de Plaza y Valdés en 2001, el libro llegó en un momento de transición política y social en México. El autor analiza cómo la profesión se consolidó en el país, pasando de ser una labor puramente asistencialista a una disciplina académica con bases científicas. 3. De la Beneficencia a la Profesionalización
Uno de los aportes más valiosos de esta edición es el análisis de las etapas:
La Etapa Pre-técnica: El legado de la caridad y la filantropía.
La Etapa Técnica: La influencia del modelo estadounidense y la llegada de los primeros métodos (Caso, Grupo y Comunidad).
La Etapa Científica y de Reconceptualización: El movimiento latinoamericano que buscó romper con el colonialismo intelectual y dotar a la carrera de un sentido político y transformador. 4. ¿Por qué es relevante el año 2001?
La edición de 2001 sirve como un "cierre de siglo". Permite evaluar el impacto de las políticas neoliberales en México durante los años 90 y cómo el trabajador social tuvo que adaptarse a un entorno donde los recursos públicos se reducían mientras las demandas sociales aumentaban. 5. Estructura y Estilo
El texto se caracteriza por ser riguroso pero accesible. Evangelista evita el lenguaje excesivamente técnico para que los estudiantes de los primeros semestres puedan comprender la importancia de su rol histórico. El autor argumenta que quien no conoce la historia de su profesión, está condenado a repetir sus errores técnicos y éticos. Conclusión
"Historia del Trabajo Social" de Eli Evangelista Martínez es una brújula. En sus páginas, el lector encuentra no solo fechas y nombres, sino una invitación a pensar el Trabajo Social como una herramienta de emancipación social. Si buscas entender el ADN de la intervención social en México, este libro de Plaza y Valdés es el punto de partida ideal.
¿Estás buscando este libro para un ensayo académico específico o para profundizar en algún periodo histórico particular?
In his influential work, Historia del Trabajo Social en México (Ed. Plaza y Valdés, 2001), Elí Evangelista Ramírez
presents a story of professional evolution that moves far beyond simple charity. He argues that Social Work in Mexico was not a linear progression from religious aid but a product of modernity, shaped by the shifting political and economic landscape of the nation.
The "story" of this profession, as Evangelista Ramírez frames it, can be broken down into these defining chapters: 1. The Colonial Roots (1521–1821)
Long before the term "Social Work" existed, the Spanish era established the first formal systems of aid in Mexico. This period was dominated by Social Action through religious institutions, focusing on "hospitals" (which functioned more as shelters) and indigenous welfare. 2. Transition and Independence (1821–1920)
As Mexico moved toward secularization, social aid began to shift from the church to the state. This era saw the rise of more organized public assistance, culminating in the social upheaval of the Mexican Revolution, which highlighted the desperate need for institutionalized responses to poverty and inequality. 3. The Emergence of the Profession (1920–1933)
This "pre-technical" phase marks the birth of formal training. The state began creating specific roles to manage social welfare, laying the groundwork for the first educational programs in the 1930s. 4. Institutionalization and Modern Growth (1934–1993)
The core of the book tracks the profession's expansion alongside the growth of the Mexican state. Key developments included:
The Lázaro Cárdenas Era: Social work became essential for land reform and rural missions.
Professional Maturity: The creation of the National School of Social Work at UNAM and the integration of social workers into healthcare, education, and rural development programs.
Contradiction and Complexity: Evangelista Ramírez emphasizes that the field's history is "complex and contradictory," as social workers often had to balance their professional ethics with the rigid social assistance policies of the government. 5. Final Reflections: A Modern Identity
Evangelista Ramírez concludes that Mexican Social Work is an "art-science". It is a profession that must constantly redefine itself to answer the specific social problems of the present, moving from mere assistance to active social justice. If you'd like to dive deeper, I can help you with:
Specific biographical details on Elí Evangelista Ramírez and his impact on Mexican academia.
A comparison of these stages with global Social Work milestones (like the work of Mary Richmond or Jane Addams).
How these historical stages apply to modern social policy in Mexico today. Correct citation (APA 7th):
Historia del trabajo social en México - Elí Evangelista Ramírez
En el ámbito de la formación académica de los trabajadores sociales en México y América Latina, existen textos que no solo sirven como consulta, sino como pilares para entender la identidad de la profesión. Uno de esos referentes es, sin duda, "Historia del Trabajo Social" de Eli Evangelista Martínez (frecuentemente citado o buscado con la variante Ramírez), publicado por la editorial Plaza y Valdés en México en el año 2001.
Este libro no es solo un recuento cronológico; es un esfuerzo por dotar a la disciplina de una base teórica y crítica frente a los retos de la modernidad. El Contexto de la Obra (2001)
A principios de los años 2000, el Trabajo Social en México atravesaba una etapa de transición profunda. Tras décadas de un enfoque asistencialista, la academia buscaba una "reconceptualización" que permitiera a los profesionales actuar como agentes de cambio social y no solo como administradores de carencias. En este escenario, Eli Evangelista, un académico destacado de la UNAM, presenta esta obra para sistematizar la evolución de la carrera. Ejes Principales del Libro
El texto de Evangelista destaca por desglosar la historia del trabajo social a través de tres dimensiones fundamentales: 1. De la Caridad a la Profesionalización
Evangelista rastrea las raíces de la profesión desde las primeras formas de ayuda social y caridad religiosa, pasando por la filantropía organizada, hasta llegar a la institucionalización. Explica cómo la Revolución Industrial y las crisis del capitalismo obligaron al Estado a crear figuras que mediaran entre las necesidades de la población y las políticas públicas. 2. El Caso Específico de México
Uno de los valores más grandes de la edición de Plaza y Valdés es su enfoque en el contexto mexicano. El autor analiza cómo el Trabajo Social en México se moldeó bajo la sombra de la Revolución Mexicana, la creación de la Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP) y la institucionalización de la salud y la asistencia social. 3. El Debate Epistemológico
Más allá de fechas, el libro cuestiona: ¿Qué es el Trabajo Social?. Evangelista plantea que la historia de la disciplina es la historia de su lucha por ser reconocida como una ciencia social con metodología propia, alejándose de la visión puramente técnica o pragmática. Importancia de la Editorial Plaza y Valdés
La elección de Plaza y Valdés para esta publicación no fue menor. Esta editorial se ha caracterizado por difundir el pensamiento crítico y las ciencias sociales en México. La edición de 2001 se convirtió rápidamente en un libro de texto obligatorio en diversas facultades, ayudando a estandarizar el conocimiento histórico de las nuevas generaciones de trabajadores sociales. ¿Por qué sigue siendo relevante hoy?
A pesar de haber sido publicado hace más de dos décadas, el análisis de Eli Evangelista sigue vigente por varias razones:
Identidad Profesional: Ayuda a los estudiantes a entender "de dónde vienen" para decidir "hacia dónde van".
Sentido Crítico: No romantiza la historia de la profesión, sino que expone sus contradicciones y su relación con el poder político.
Metodología: Ofrece una estructura clara para el estudio de las políticas sociales y su ejecución en el campo. Conclusión
"Historia del Trabajo Social" (2001) es una pieza clave de la literatura sociológica en México. Eli Evangelista Martínez logró condensar en esta obra la complejidad de una profesión que vive en constante tensión entre el control social y la emancipación humana. Para cualquier investigador o estudiante que busque comprender las raíces del bienestar social en México, este libro sigue siendo una parada obligatoria.
¿Estás buscando este libro para un proyecto de investigación específico o necesitas un resumen de algún capítulo en particular?
In the book Historia del Trabajo Social en México Elí Evangelista Martínez , published by Plaza y Valdés
, the author traces the evolution of the profession as a complex response to social, economic, and political shifts in Mexico. The "story" of Social Work according to Evangelista is not just a timeline of dates, but a transition from religious charity to a modern scientific and transformative discipline. Universidad de Sonora The Evolution of Social Work in Mexico Colonial Foundations (1521–1920):
The roots of the profession lie in religious caridad (charity) and early forms of social assistance. Evangelista explains that during this long period, the Church was the primary provider of aid to the marginalized, setting a precedent for organized care. The Professional Dawn (1920–1933):
Following the Mexican Revolution, the first concrete steps toward professionalization emerged. In
, the first School of Social Work was established in Mexico, marking the transition from informal help to an academic pursuit. Institutional Growth (1934–1993): Cardenismo
era, the field received a major boost as the state took a more active role in social welfare. This period saw the rise of the social worker as a vital link between government institutions (handling law and medicine) and the domestic lives of citizens. The Reconceptualization Era:
During the 1960s and 70s, the profession underwent a radical "reconceptualization." It moved away from being a "subaltern piece" of the dominant system and toward a critical discipline focused on social commitment, human rights, and political consciousness. Universidad de Sonora Key Themes & Perspectives Transmodernity over Postmodernity:
Evangelista argues for a "transmodern" approach, prioritizing social commitment over the individualistic narratives of modernity. Pioneering Figures: The author highlights Elena Landázuri
as the first recognized social worker in the country, a key figure in establishing the profession's identity. Theoretical Shift:
The work advocates for a "Philosophy of Action," where social work is seen as a tool for struggle, resistance, and transformation rather than just administrative management. Universidad de Sonora theoretical framework Evangelista proposes for modern practice?
A standout feature of Eli Evangelista Ramírez's Historia del Trabajo Social en México (published by Plaza y Valdés in 1998/2001), is its multidimensional and critical approach to the profession's evolution
. Rather than providing a simple timeline, Evangelista integrates social work into the broader socio-political and economic context of Mexico. Key highlights of this work include: Extensive Historical Scope
: The text traces the roots of social action and aid from the colonial era (1521) through the profession's modernization and professionalization up to 1993. Analysis of State Policy
: It critically examines how social work was shaped by the Mexican State's welfare policies, viewing the profession not as an isolated discipline but as a response to shifting government agendas and social needs. Focus on Complexity
: Evangelista identifies the development of social work as "complex and contradictory," moving beyond traditional narratives of charity to discuss its role in institutional and political frameworks. Thematic Structure : The book is organized into clear historical phases: 1521–1920 : Early forms of help and social action. 1920–1933 : Immediate antecedents leading to formal recognition. 1934–1993 : Modern historical development and professional growth. Reconceptualization movement on Mexican social work as discussed in this history? Evangelista Ramírez, E
Historia del trabajo social en México - Elí Evangelista Ramírez
Elí Evangelista Ramírez ofrece en "Historia del Trabajo Social en México" una reconstrucción crítica de la profesionalización del trabajo social, posicionándolo como una respuesta técnica y científica a los problemas socioeconómicos del país, no meramente asistencial. La obra detalla la evolución desde la caridad colonial hasta la consolidación institucional y universitaria entre 1521 y 1993, ligando la profesión a las políticas estatales de bienestar. Para obtener una vista previa del libro, visite Google Books
Historia del trabajo social en México - Elí Evangelista Ramírez
In his seminal work Historia del Trabajo Social en México (first published in 1998 with subsequent updates), Elí Evangelista Martínez
provides a critical reconstruction of the profession's trajectory, moving beyond linear evolutionary narratives. Published by Plaza y Valdés in collaboration with the UNAM School of Social Work, the book argues that social work is a construction of modernity rather than a mere evolution of traditional charity. Key Thematic Framework
Evangelista challenges the "myth of origin" that links social work exclusively to religious charity or capitalist interests. Instead, he frames it as a complex, often contradictory discipline shaped by:
Political Power: The alignment of social action with state-led assistance policies.
Institutionalization: The shift from home visits and "gregarious survival instincts" to formalized social welfare systems.
Professional Identity: The role of women and the influence of social sciences in legitimizing the field. Historical Periodization
The author divides the development of Mexican social work into distinct chronological stages: 1521–1920
Forms of Aid & Social Action: From colonial charity and indigenous solidarity to post-independence welfare. 1920–1933
Antecedents: Early professionalization attempts following the Mexican Revolution, leading to the first school in 1933. 1934–1993
Historical Development: The consolidation of the profession under the Cardenismo era and its expansion during the "miracle" years. Modern Era
Reconceptualization: Critical reflection on the profession's methods and its role in a globalized, neoliberal context. Theoretical Contributions
Evangelista argues that social workers often suffer from a "blurring" of their professional identity because they are frequently viewed as mere administrators of institutional policy. He proposes a shift toward transmodernity, where the professional prioritizes social commitment over the individualistic "metanarratives" of traditional modernity. Legacy and Continued Study
Historia del trabajo social en México - Elí Evangelista Ramírez - Google Books
The book " Historia del Trabajo Social en México " by Elí Evangelista Martínez, published by Plaza y Valdés in co-edition with the UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico), is a fundamental text for understanding the evolution of the profession in the country.
While the first edition was released in 1998, a revised version appeared in 2001 (and later editions under the title "Desarrollo Histórico del Trabajo Social en México"), serving as a core academic guide. Core Content of the Guide
The book departs from traditional "linear" histories that link social work only to religious charity. Instead, Evangelista frames it as a product of modernity and the rise of the interventionist State. Historical Timeline Covered:
The Colonial Period (1521–1821): Analyzes early forms of "social aid" managed by the Spanish Crown and religious orders, such as hospitals and orphanages.
The Post-Revolutionary Era (1920–1933): Focuses on the institutionalization of social aid after the Mexican Revolution, leading to the first formal recognition of the profession.
The Professionalization Phase (1933–1993): Highlights the founding of the first school in 1933 (the Escuela de Enseñanza Doméstica) and the influence of the Cardenismo era in consolidating the field. Key Conceptual Themes:
The Modern Construct: Argues that social work is an academic discipline and practical profession that emerged to manage "the social question" through scientific methods.
Key Figures: Elena Landázuri is noted as a pioneer, along with the influence of women reformers from the US and Europe.
Paradigm Shifts: Discusses the transition from "charity" (religiously motivated) to "social assistance" (government-managed) to modern "Social Work" (scientific/interdisciplinary). Academic Significance
The text is frequently used to teach students how factors like geography, politics, and culture serve as either opportunities or barriers to human development. It also emphasizes that the history of social work in Mexico is "complex and contradictory," tied deeply to the shifting priorities of the Mexican State.
If you are looking for specific chapters or a deeper breakdown, I can:
Provide a detailed summary of the 1934–1993 development phase.
Compare his theoretical approach to other Latin American historians.
Help you find current editions or related conferences by Dr. Evangelista.