Jane Addams, Coherence in Uncertain Times: a Political Entrepreneurship in Social Work

Abstract

Since its inception, social work has promoted the defense of human rights and social justice. Doing so has also implied having an influence in the political arena. Although, in some contexts, participation in the political arena of social workers is limited. Based on an analysis of the figure of Jane Addams, using a bibliographic analysis, this study shows the role that social work can play in changing policies and the importance of being coherent with personal values, as well as engaging in equal dialogue using human rights and social justice as a starting point. Jane Addams became a political entrepreneur in fields such as the struggle for women's rights, the rights of immigrants, the fight against child labor exploitation and the quest for peace. This positioning had negative repercussions on her public image, although she was finally awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.