Professional Self-image of the Social Worker: Implications for Social Work Education

Abstract

This paper details a study of the professional self-image of social workers from three NASW chapters. Professional self-image is defined as the evaluation of the occupational group by members of that group, including judgments concerning the prestige of the group in society, the worth of the profession to society, the personal and behavioral characteristics of its members, its occupational opportunities, and the achievement of the attributes of professionalization. The overall self-image of social workers was found to be positive. Differences in attitude toward each component of self-image are presented and implications for social work education discussed.