This class will examine the history of the creation, funding, and implementation of social welfare institutions in the U.S. and analyze them through an anti-oppressive framework. Social welfare institutions are defined as organizations that promote social welfare and the general welfare of any given community. Some examples are social welfare non-profit organizations, public health organizations, or civic organizations. It will also address the current context of social welfare institutions and how social workers engage, interact, and enhance social welfare institutions. Students will develop an understanding of the social welfare and social safety net system in the United States and will learn ways in which social workers have promoted social welfare change in the United States.