This new profession is one of singular interest to woman, for
the conservation of human life has always fallen to her lot. She
has always been the neighbor nurse and social worker; and now
what should be more fitting than that she should become "the
trained and specialized good neighbor," as expressed by an emi-
nent social worker? As might be expected, the field at first was
filled with an eager, enthusiastic crowd of women, the majority
of whom were untrained, but had leisure. From this first
chaotic group has gradually emerged the type of trained women
and men, who in time, if we may believe the general trend, will
be found in control of all philanthropy.
Social work, hke teaching, must ever be a profession of service,
whatever the special field of approach. But, as in teaching,
modern conditions are requiring an increasing breadth and depth
of general education as well as special preparation to be able to
render that service efficiently. It is not a calling, therefore, to be
entered upon Ughtly, and the woman who wishes to become a



78 VOCATIONS FOR THE TRAINED WOMAN

social worker should consider devoutly her qualifications and
plan carefully her course of training. The lack of detailed in-
formation needed for guidance has led to the following presen-
tation of facts concerning the social work of a group of communi-
ties, in the hope that by this concrete outline the entire subject
may be illuminated. Consideration of the requirements for suc-
cess in the chosen field should not detract from idealization of the
profession, neither should attention to financial remuneration
interfere with the spirit of service. As long as a considerable
proportion of social workers are no longer volunteers, and women
face the economic struggle, attention to stipend is imperative.
