Social Worker Identity: A Profession in Context. Issue 1 (13th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Forenza, Brad; Eckert, Caitlin
• Is Part Of: Social work. Volume 63:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 17
• Page End: 26
• Publication Date: 2017-11-13
• Subjects: advocacy -- empathy -- empowerment -- professional identity -- social justice; Social service -- Periodicals; Social service -- United States -- Periodicals; Social policy -- Periodicals; Social problems -- Periodicals; 361.3
• DOI: 10.1093/sw/swx052
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0037-8046

Abstract

Abstract: Social work is a broad field encompassing micro, mezzo, and macro areas of practice. Consequently, the field lacks a unifying professional identity due to the expansiveness of the profession. Professional identity is conceptualized as an extension of social identity, vis-à-vis the embodiment of three qualities: connectedness, expansiveness, and effectiveness. This study used 12 in-depth, individual interviews with practicing social workers to explore these qualities. Findings from interviews reveal six primary themes and 21 subthemes pertaining to social worker identity. Themes and subthemes are organized according to three broad families (social work in context, professional trajectories, and external influences). Implications for policy, practice, and future research are presented.