Responding to increasing urban poverty in the wake of industrialization and the Civil War, charity organization societies emphasize a "scientific approach." This often includes the use of state surveillance through investigation, registration, and supervision of applicants for charity.

Wealthy city dwellers witness the exploding numbers of those experiencing houselessness and poverty in their cities, and call for greater controls of both poverty and the services created for those who are poor. Charity societies hire "agents" who enter private homes to provide care–forming a foundation for modern social work.