Social work as a profession: Its roots, identity and value base

Learning Objectives

After considering this resource, you should understand the origins of social work, and how the values and development of the profession have pushed it forward.

Two women shaking hands

In just over 100 years the concept of social work as a service and a profession has gradually developed and crystallised into a cohesive notion, accompanied by a structured framework of guidelines and specifications. In this article, Marie Joseph charts the development of the profession and looks at how respect for ethics, values and diversity has been enshrined as a key tenet in the professional identity and value base for social workers. She also looks forward, anticipating some of the potential future challenges to the profession.

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Reflective Questions

  1. How do formal institutions (e.g. BASW, CCETSW, TCOSW etc.) help create a professional identity for social workers?
  2. How important do you think formal frameworks (e.g. NOS, PCF etc.) are for upholding and maintaining standards of professionalism in social work?
  3. What do you think are some other challenges that could affect social work and social workers in the future?
  4. Do you personally feel a sense of moral responsibility as a social worker?
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