A Conceptual Framework for the Professional Socialization of Social Workers

Abstract

With the Council on Social Work Education revised Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, professional socialization has become a matter of policy. The social work literature is characterized by a dearth of conceptual models and systematic research regarding professional socialization. The conceptual framework for the professional socialization of social workers presented herein provides a discrete definition and clarifies what was formerly an ambiguous understanding of the elements of professional socialization. Potential applications of this framework include its use as a foundation for systematic research and a bridge between competencies and signature pedagogy and in informing field instructor training and the integration of theory and practice for students and practitioners.

KEYWORDS:

• Professional socialization
• social work education
• theory

Notes

The author acknowledges the assistance of Dr. Michael Holosko, Pauline M. Berger Professor of Family and Child Welfare at the University of Georgia School of Social Work, in the preparation of this manuscript.