This study, inspired by the efforts of NASW to improve the public perception and understanding of social work, focused on the perceptions and attitudes of college students regarding the profession of social work. The sample included 678 undergraduates at a state university who represented a wide variety of majors. Findings indicate that students'…

Conducted study which attempted to estimate the average household income of recently retired social workers and to compare it with that of retired professionals from similar occupations (nurses, teachers, doctors, and lawyers). Found retired social workers received the lowest income, on average, of all groups studied. (Author)

In this article the author discusses the evolution and nature of the concepts of profession and professionalization and offers suggestions for reforming social work that will make the profession more responsive to the consumers of service. (Author)

Survey of 84 MSW union members from three unions in large urban area finds unionism and professionalism compatible. Differences among unions were demographic rather than attitudinal. Sample, mostly white, female under age 30, favors union arbitration, disapproves strikes. Prefers union with narrow economic focus, excluding professional or…

Definitions of social work that describe what social workers do often become unwieldy because social workers do so many different things. Here is a concise definition built around the common goals that unify the profession's diverse fields and specialties and make them social work. (Author)

One of the few controlled studies of the influence of sex bias on social workers' judgments produces dramatic findings that contradict the contentions of other studies of the subject. The study finds consistent pro-female, anti-male bias among the sampled social workers. (Author)

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)

Private model of professionalism is inappropriate for public professions like social work. Alternative "new professionalism" would involve a more client-oriented social welfare system. Comparison of ethics codes for social work, medicine, law, urban planning, public administration, and university teachers illustrates…

In a study of the characteristics of persons who took the California licensing examination for clinical social workers, the only variable that correlated with passing the examination was the applicant's involvement in personal therapy. (Author)

Absence of a well-articulated conceptual framework that encompasses the entire spectrum of social work practice is a major source of long-standing identity crisis. This article examines some of the common elements and distinctive features of the mission, objectives, and specializations that have been advanced within professional social work.…

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)

Is private practice a superior service delivery mechanism? The author contends that, in affording the client his choice of a helper, private practice embodies the basic values of social work and stimulates workers to become more responsible and knowledgeable.

There is no doubt that private practitioners make an important contribution to the profession of social work. It is questionable, however, whether private practice is a superior delivery system that should replace the agency-based service tradition of the profession. (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.

Although social work is commonly identified as a woman's profession, female social workers are often the victims of sex-role stereotyping and discrimination. This article discusses the effects of sexism on social work education and employment practices and proposes ways sex bias can be eliminated. (Author)