Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2018
Journal / Book Title
Social work
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.
MSU Digital Commons Citation
Forenza, Bradley and Eckert, Caitlin, "Social Worker Identity: A Profession in Context" (2018). Department of Social Work and Child Advocacy Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works. 118.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/social-work-and-child-advocacy-facpubs/118
Published Citation
Forenza, B., & Eckert, C. (2018). Social worker identity: A profession in context. Social work, 63(1), 17-26.