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Role and influence of professional associations in the development of social work as an occupation 1900 -1990

This thesis examines the historical development of professional associations in social work and assesses their role and influence in t'Ze developnent of social work as an occupation. An account of the formation and development of seven individual associations of social workers in the period 1900 to 1970, to,; sther with the attempts to form a single 'generic' association durinsm that period, is followed by a discussion of the development of the British Association of Social ? -porkers from 1970 to 1990. This account examines the reciprocal influence of the nrofessional associations on the occupation and of the emerging occupation on the professional associations. Both are set within the wider context of changes in the broader society and in the provision of welfare services in particular. The thesis then examines aspects of the internal affairs of the associations, ')aying particlar attention to the questions of the membership of the associations; selected aspects of the internal government of the associations; and the management of tension and conflict within the associations. Five areas of activity are then studied individually to ascertain the role and influence of the professional associations. These are attempts to define the occupation of 'social work'; attempts to influence patterns of recruitment and training; attempts to raise and maintain 'professional' standards of service; attempts to influence salaries and conditions of work; and attempts to influence social policy. These various strands are dra,, m together in a conclusion, which emphasises the dynamic nature of the relationship between the professional associations, the development of social work, and the eider social context. It traces four stages in the development of this relationship, and argues that the aspects of identity and fellowship provided by the professional associations are also important. Whilst the professional associations' influence has waxed and waned in different areas of activity at different times, no account of the development of social work is complete without considering their impact. ELF.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:549277
Date January 1990
CreatorsSackville, Andrew Dean
PublisherUniversity of Manchester
Source SetsEthos UK
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeElectronic Thesis or Dissertation

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