Historia Del Trabajo Social Eli Evangelista Ramirez Ed Plaza Y Valdes Mexico 2001 Fixed Site
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.
Historia del trabajo social en México - Elí Evangelista Ramírez
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. In his influential work, Historia del Trabajo Social
Strengths
- Contextual Clarity: The author excels at placing Mexican social work history within the wider currents of Latin American social thought. He avoids isolating the profession, instead linking its shifts to state formation, industrialization, and social policy.
- Critical Perspective: Unlike many purely descriptive historical texts, Evangelista Ramírez offers a critical lens, particularly regarding the profession’s early alignment with state-led social control. He addresses tensions between conservative, religious origins and secular, scientific modernization.
- Pedagogical Value: The “fixed” edition (likely referencing a corrected or revised version) improves readability and factual accuracy, making it highly suitable for classroom use. The language is academic but accessible, with clear definitions of key terms (e.g., asistencialismo, promoción social).
Weaknesses
- Dated Sources: Published in 2001, the bibliography largely references works from the 1970s–1990s. While classic, it lacks engagement with more recent historiographical debates (e.g., post-structural or decolonial approaches to social work history).
- Limited Global Integration: Although strong on Mexico and Europe, the book gives less attention to comparative developments in other parts of Latin America (e.g., Brazil, Argentina, Chile) during the same periods, potentially giving students a slightly insular view.
- Production Quality (Plaza y Valdés): As with some Mexican academic presses of the era, the physical binding and paper quality of the original print run were modest. The “fixed” edition may correct typos but not material longevity.
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)
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?
Elí Evangelista Ramírez’s Historia del Trabajo Social en México
(2001, Ed. Plaza y Valdés) is a foundational text for understanding the evolution of the profession in Mexico. The book departs from traditional "linear" histories, arguing that social work is a construction of modernity rather than a simple evolution of religious charity. Core Theoretical Framework
Evangelista contends that social work cannot be understood in isolation. It is inextricably linked to: Book Review Title: Historia del Trabajo Social Author:
Political Economy: The shifts in state power and economic crises.
Social Policy: The transition from private charity to state-led social assistance.
The "Social Question": How the state manages poverty and labor conflicts to maintain social order. Chronological Guide & Contents The book organizes the history into four primary sections: 1. Forms of Help and Social Action (1521–1920) This section covers the pre-professional era.
Colonial Period: Focused on religious charity (caridad) and the "hospitals" of Vasco de Quiroga, which aimed for collective self-sufficiency.
Independence and Porfiriato: The rise of secular public beneficence and early state intervention in hygiene and education. 2. Precedents of Social Work (1920–1933) This period tracks the aftermath of the Mexican Revolution.
The transition from basic charity to organized "social action" driven by the need for national reconstruction.
Early training for hygiene visitors and educators who performed "home visits," laying the groundwork for technical social intervention. 3. Historical Development (1934–1993) The professionalization and institutionalization phase.
1933: The founding of the first social work school in Mexico.
The Cardenista Era: Social work becomes a tool for the state to execute agrarian and labor reforms.
Institutionalization: The creation of major social services like the IMSS and ISSSTE, where social workers became essential "institutional mediators".
Reconceptualization (1970s–80s): A critical movement that questioned the profession’s "assistantialist" roots and pushed for a more political, transformative role. 4. Final Reflections
Evangelista critiques the "de-drawing" (desdibujamiento) of the profession’s identity. He argues that social workers often become administrative tools of the state instead of professional agents of social change. Summary of Key Arguments Concept Evangelista's Perspective Origin A product of Western modernity, not just "charity." Identity Often defined by what it is not rather than what it is. Role
A mediator of the "Social Question" between the state and the people. Challenge
Moving past technical assistance toward critical, scientific action. ✅ Final Result
Elí Evangelista Ramírez provides a critical history that views Mexican Social Work as a modern professional discipline shaped by the state's social policies and the socio-political struggles of the 20th century. If you'd like, I can: Detail the Reconceptualization movement in Mexico. Compare this work to other authors like Natalio Kisnerman.
Provide a list of the main social institutions mentioned in the book.
Let me know which specific period or theme you want to explore further!
Historia del trabajo social en México - Elí Evangelista Ramírez
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): Contextual Clarity: The author excels at placing Mexican
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?
4. Reconceptualization and Critique (1970s–1990s)
One of the most valuable sections of the 2001 edition is its analysis of the Movimiento de Reconceptualización (Reconceptualization Movement). This Latin American movement (1965–1975) rejected the imported, technocratic model of social work and called for a Marxist, critical, and liberating practice. Evangelista Ramírez shows how Mexican social workers—often seen as conservative—eventually absorbed these critiques, leading to a focus on community organization and social justice rather than just casework adjustment.
A. Metadata Header
- Title: Historia del Trabajo Social
- Author: Elí Evangelista Ramírez
- Publisher: Plaza y Valdés (México)
- Year: 2001
- Status: Verified Citation (The system confirms the ISBN matches the metadata).
2. The Interface (The "Card")
When a user clicks the parsed citation, a "Smart Source Card" expands with the following sections:
Availability and Digital Preservation
Because the keyword includes the term "fixed," it is likely that the searcher is looking for a confirmed, non-corrupted digital copy or a reliable physical reference. Physical copies of the 2001 edition can still be found in major university libraries in Mexico (UNAM, UAM, Universidad de Guadalajara), the US (UCLA, UT Austin’s Nettie Lee Benson Collection), and Europe (University of Salamanca). Digital versions are not legally available for free, but limited previews exist through Google Books and digital repositories of Plaza y Valdés. Be cautious of user-uploaded PDFs on academic social networks; many are scanned from earlier, incomplete editions and lack the final two chapters of the 2001 fixed version.
Who is Eli Evangelista Ramírez? Contextualizing the Author
To understand the weight of this book, one must first understand its author. Eli Evangelista Ramírez is a renowned Mexican social worker, historian, and academic. Throughout her career, she has been affiliated with the Escuela Nacional de Trabajo Social (ENTS) of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). Her work is distinguished by a rigorous, documentary methodology. Rather than merely listing dates and names, Evangelista Ramírez situates social work within the broader currents of Mexican history: the post-revolutionary stabilization, the institutionalization of welfare (asistencialismo), and the professionalization of social intervention.
The 2001 edition published by Plaza y Valdés represents a mature synthesis of her research. It is "fixed" in the sense that it corrected earlier, mimeographed versions of course notes that circulated in the 1980s and 1990s, providing a definitive typography, index, and pagination for citation.
Introduction
In the study of Latin American Social Work, few texts are as foundational and frequently cited as Eli Evangelista Ramírez’s Historia del trabajo social. Published in Mexico in 2001 by Plaza y Valdés, this work serves as a critical academic pillar for understanding how the profession evolved from charitable practices into a scientific discipline.
For students and practitioners looking to understand the theoretical underpinnings of their profession, Ramírez’s book offers a necessary journey through time, tracing the specific socio-economic conditions in Mexico and the broader Latin American context that gave birth to modern Social Work.
How to Use This Text in Research and Practice
If you are citing historia del trabajo social eli evangelista ramirez ed plaza y valdes mexico 2001 fixed in an academic paper, follow APA 7th edition standards (for Spanish-language works):
Evangelista Ramírez, E. (2001). Historia del trabajo social. Plaza y Valdés.
In Chicago style:
Evangelista Ramírez, Eli. Historia del trabajo social. México, D.F.: Plaza y Valdés, 2001.
For researchers, the book is most valuable when used to trace the genealogy of Mexican welfare policies. For example, cross-reference Evangelista Ramírez’s chapter on the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) with primary legal documents from the 1940s to see how social work was legally mandated.


