The assumed impossibility of forming a widely accepted view of social work is explained on the one hand by the contesting nature of social work definitions and on the other by a loss of professional identity since the 1960s. The aim of the article is to elaborate a third explanation based on the hypothesis that social workers adhere to their…

Abraham Flexner contended that "something more than a degree or claim" is needed to make a profession. He further asserted that the definitions of a profession require recasting over time. This article critically considers recasting licensing as something more for social work. Analysis of past and present discourse on licensing in social…

The authors examine how the profession's adaptation to Flexner's criteria influences the emergence of the neomedical model as the majoritarian paradigm within social work even in the face of a pluralism manifest by the existence of other competing paradigms. One endorses empowerment in social work, and the other embraces societal transformation in…

Systematic examination of the ways in which social work practice has been described in the past leads to a new, three-dimensional model of practice that takes into account both its commonalities and its extensive diversification. (Author)

Analyzing the different perceptions and controversies revealed in the papers prepared for the meeting on conceptual frameworks, the author presents a proposal for a unitary conception of practice with operational definitions of key elements. (Author)

Social work as a profession has developed from diverse roots, providing varied services to all in need. Working in many settings, we portray for society how things are and can become. Supported by knowledge, skill, and distinctive values, social work serves as a professional mechanism for inducing societal change.

The dual concepts of resources and interaction with the social environment are used to explicate objectives of social work and activities of practitioners. Social work can be viewed as a generalist profession, but the terms "generalist" and "specialist" should not be equated with beginning and advanced practice. (Author)

A model of professionalization based largely on the power view is presented. As a test of a portion of the model, professional power is defined in terms of two dimensions of attitudinal autonomy. Autonomy from client and autonomy from employing organization are studied in a sample of 1,000 students representing eight different occupations.…

The core of social work development lies in the assumption of full responsibility for providing, administering, and planning concrete care services for populations dependent on others. Other therapeutic or curative services would depend on this foundation. Public sanction, demand, and criteria for developing and training personnel are elaborated.…