ManuScript Details
|
Paper Id:
|
IJGRD1029
|
|
Title:
|
HOMELESSNESS, CHARITY, AND SOCIAL WELFARE: REIMAGINING SOCIAL WORK THROUGH JOHN GALSWORTHY'S THE PIGEON
|
| Published in: |
International Journal of Global Research and Development |
| Publisher: |
IJGRD |
| ISSN: |
3139-7093 |
| Volume / Issue: |
Volume 1 Issue 5 |
| Pages: |
10
|
| Published On: |
8/11/2026 9:45:55 AM (MM/dd/yyyy) |
Main Author Details
|
Name:
|
Dr. S. Devi |
| Institute: |
Jawahar Science College, Neyveli |
Co - Author Details
| Author Name |
Author Institute |
| Dr. A. Arun Daves |
Jawahar Science College, Neyveli |
Abstract
|
Research Area:
|
Sociology |
| KeyWord: |
John Galsworthy; The Pigeon; Homelessness; Social Work; Social Welfare; Social Exclusion; Human Dignity; Social Justice |
| Abstract: |
Homelessness has remained one of the most persistent social concerns across different historical periods, demanding attention not only from policymakers and social workers but also from literary writers who have documented the experiences of marginalized individuals. John Galsworthy's The Pigeon (1912) occupies a significant position in this context by presenting a nuanced portrayal of poverty, displacement, and social exclusion in early twentieth-century Britain. This article examines the play through an interdisciplinary framework that combines literary criticism with contemporary social work perspectives to investigate how Galsworthy critiques prevailing attitudes toward homelessness and welfare. The study argues that The Pigeon moves beyond a conventional representation of charity by exposing the structural inequalities that shape the lives of vulnerable individuals. Through characters such as Christopher Wellwyn and Ferrand, Galsworthy highlights the limitations of individual benevolence and draws attention to the broader social conditions that perpetuate poverty and exclusion. The article further demonstrates that the play anticipates several principles associated with modern social work, including respect for human dignity, social justice, social inclusion, and collective responsibility. Employing concepts such as social exclusion, social capital, and the capability approach, the analysis reveals how homelessness in the play functions as both a material and a social condition that restricts participation, recognition, and personal agency. By foregrounding the lived experiences of marginalized people, Galsworthy challenges stereotypes surrounding poverty and encourages a more humane understanding of social welfare. The study contends that The Pigeon remains relevant to contemporary discussions of homelessness because it underscores the need for structural intervention rather than reliance on charitable assistance alone. Through its powerful social critique, the play establishes a meaningful dialogue between literature and social work, demonstrating how literary texts can contribute to broader conversations about welfare, human rights, and social responsibility. |
Citations
Copy and paste a formatted citation or use one of the links to import into a bibliography manager and reference.
|
IEEE
|
Dr. S. Devi , Dr. A. Arun Daves, "HOMELESSNESS, CHARITY, AND SOCIAL WELFARE: REIMAGINING SOCIAL WORK THROUGH JOHN GALSWORTHY'S THE PIGEON", International Journal of Global Research and Development,
vol. 1, no. 5, pp. 29-38, 2026.
|
|
MLA
|
Dr. S. Devi , Dr. A. Arun Daves "HOMELESSNESS, CHARITY, AND SOCIAL WELFARE: REIMAGINING SOCIAL WORK THROUGH JOHN GALSWORTHY'S THE PIGEON." International Journal of Global Research and Development,
vol 1, no. 5, 2026, pp. 29-38.
|
|
APA
|
Dr. S. Devi , Dr. A. Arun Daves (2026). HOMELESSNESS, CHARITY, AND SOCIAL WELFARE: REIMAGINING SOCIAL WORK THROUGH JOHN GALSWORTHY'S THE PIGEON. International Journal of Global Research and Development,
1(5), 29-38.
|
HOMELESSNESS, CHARITY, AND SOCIAL WELFARE: REIMAGINING SOCIAL WORK THROUGH JOHN GALSWORTHY'S THE PIGEON
Number Of Downloads - 5
Last downloaded on 25/08/2026
