The sociology of Zygmunt Bauman, although problematic, remains significant and potentially useful in aiding thinking about social work’s contemporary shifts and transformations. In recent times, Bauman’s notion of ‘liquid modernity’ has gained prominence within social work’s academic literature. However, whilst not seeking to provide readers with a basis to compare and contrast his evolving perspectives on modernity, this article aims to redress an imbalance in that it mostly dwells on his concept of ‘solid modernity’. Recognising major problems with Bauman’s theorisation, his work on ‘solid modernity’ and the Holocaust could prompt reflection not only on how social work was historically situated in Germany, but also on how, today, ‘care’ practices can become corrupted particularly in those ‘twilight areas’, where stigmatised groups are segregated and institutionalised.