Contributions to a historical and critical review of the antecedents of forensic social work through the study of the life and work of one of its pioneers: Florence Kelley. Its current validity

Abstract

If we consider that the reconstruction of a historical event is always an unfinished task, a product of questions and challenges generated by each context, reviewing and revisiting the contribution of pioneers who played a fundamental role in the construction of our disciplinary field is a triple commitment to make visible and rescue from oblivion the work of exceptional women, it is an act of epistemic justice, it is a way of contributing to the strengthening of our professional identity.

It is an opportunity to publicize the work of relevant figures from their own voice, through primary sources, their legacy and written production.

After contextually situating relevant fragments of the life and work of Florence Kelley, the analysis of three texts produced within the framework of her research, her professional and political practice will be presented. These are works of absolute validity today and an exemplary model for future generations.

Finally, reflections and possible openings are presented in relation to the usefulness of research and diagnoses as elements of evidence in trials, as well as on issues at the methodological, technical-instrumental and scriptural levels, and which may be the subject of further studies.