| Abstract: | Dr R. Hugman. Dept. of Applied Social Science. Cartmel College. Lancaster University. Lancaster LAI 4YL. Summary The professionalization of social work in the UK during thiscentury has led to an occupational unity, but one in which therehas been continued struggle over the form and content of professionalism.This paper summarizes the key points of developments in thelast two decades, in which debates between professionalism andanti-professionalism and between specialization and localizationcan be discerned. Further changes in the welfare state haveprovided the impetus for continuing developments which, it isargued, integrate aspects from opposing sides of the previousdebates. The failure of social work to address issues of genderand of racism is considered, and related to the possibilitiesof greater service user participation. The implications forsocial work professionalism are outlined. |
