The Dilemmas of Contemporary Social Work: A Case Study of the Social Work Degree in England

Abstract

The Social Work Reform Board's changes were implemented to improve the professional standards and reputation of social work in England. However, the government is already reviewing both social work education and social work practice even as the reforms are implemented. The aim of this paper is to explore whether the dilemmas of social work education and practice are linked to a fundamental debate about the nature and future of contemporary social work. A qualitative case study of a social work degree programme in England was completed after ethical approval was given. Data were collected at two different points in time by means of interviews and focus groups. A total of forty-eight participants contributed to the study. A thematic analysis was adopted. The findings suggested there were a number of conflicts or contradictions within the degree which were reflected in qualified social work practice. The contribution of this study is to the current discussions about qualifying education and social work practice. Its key message is that the contradictions of qualifying education, practice and models of social work reflect the debates about the nature and purpose of contemporary social work.