Born: 1872 (Berlin, Germany)
Died: 1948 (New York City)
Biography:
Alice Salomon (1872-1948) was a German social reformer and pioneer of social work as an academic discipline. She played a crucial role in the development of social work in Germany, to the extent that she was honored with a commemorative postage stamp by the German post office in 1989. Her impact on the field was so significant that a university, a park, and a square in Berlin bear her name.
Salomon was born on April 19, 1872, in Berlin, Germany. She was the third of eight children and the second daughter of Albert and Anna Salomon. Despite coming from an affluent family, like many girls of her time, her ambitions for further education were denied. However, her life took a transformative turn at the age of 21 in 1893 when she was finally able to pursue her dreams.
In 1900, Salomon joined the Bund Deutscher Frauenvereine (Federation of German Women’s Associations). She soon rose to the position of deputy chairperson and held this role until 1920. The organization focused on supporting destitute, abandoned, or single mothers and aimed to prevent neglect of their children. Salomon’s involvement with this organization enabled her to contribute significantly to the development of social work principles and practices.
Eager to deepen her understanding of social issues, Salomon enrolled at the Friedrich Wilhelm University in Berlin from 1902 to 1906. Despite lacking relevant qualifications, her publications were deemed sufficient for university entrance. In 1908, she earned her doctorate with a dissertation titled Die Ursachen der ungleichen Entlohnung von Männer- und Frauenarbeit (Causes of Pay Inequality Between Men and Women).
In the same year, Salomon founded the Soziale Frauenschule (Social Women’s School) in Berlin, which was later renamed the Alice Salomon School in 1932. Today, it is known as the Alice-Salomon-Fachhochschule für Sozialarbeit und Sozialpädagogik Berlin (Alice Salomon College of Further Education for Social Work and Social Sciences of Berlin). This institution continues to provide education and training in social work and social sciences.
Salomon’s influence extended beyond Germany. In 1909, she became the secretary of the Internationalen Frauenbund (International Council of Women), furthering her impact on a global scale. In 1914, she converted from Judaism to the Lutheran Church, reflecting her personal beliefs and experiences.
In 1917, Salomon founded the Konferenz sozialer Frauenschulen Deutschlands (Conference of German Women’s Social Schools), an organization she would later chair. By 1919, sixteen schools belonged to this conference, reflecting the growing recognition and importance of women’s social work.
Due to the rise of antisemitic propaganda in Germany in the early 1920s, Salomon resigned from the Bund Deutscher Frauenvereine in 1920. However, she remained dedicated to advancing the field of social work and, in 1925, established the Deutsche Akademie für soziale und pädagogische Frauenarbeit (German Academy for Women’s Social and Educational Work). This academy attracted renowned speakers, including Albert Einstein, Carl Gustav Jung, and Helene Weber, reaffirming Salomon’s commitment to academic excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Throughout the late 1920s and early 1930s, Salomon’s academy published thirteen monographs addressing the social and economic challenges faced by marginalized communities in Germany. These publications shed light on the struggles and hardships experienced by the poor, contributing to a broader understanding of social inequality.
Salomon’s 60th birthday was marked by substantial recognition. She received an honorary doctorate from Berlin University and was awarded the Silver State Medal by the Prussian State Ministry. These accolades acknowledged her significant contributions to the field of social work and society as a whole.
Despite her numerous achievements, Salomon faced immense challenges during her lifetime, particularly concerning her Jewish identity. In the face of increasing persecution by the Nazis, she was deprived of German citizenship, highlighting the persecution she endured until her death on August 30, 1948, in New York City.
Alice Salomon’s legacy as a pioneer in social work and social reform continues to inspire and guide future generations. Her dedication to addressing social inequality and improving the lives of marginalized communities remains a lasting testament to her influential contributions in women’s history.
Awards:
– Honorary doctorate from Berlin University
– Silver State Medal from the Prussian State Ministry