Social Work Academics as Humboldtian Researcher‐Educators: Discussion of a Survey of Staff Profiles from Schools in Denmark, England and Germany

Abstract

A survey of social work academics' education profiles in Denmark, England and Germany is discussed. Material was collected in 2004, mainly from schools' Internet websites. Findings were classified by highest achieved level of qualification, using British terminology: ‘diploma’, ‘degree’ and ‘doctoral’. Findings are discussed with reference to the status of social work knowledge and social work education. This discussion is framed by drawing on the model of the teacher‐researcher developed by Wilhelm von Humboldt (1767–1835). The German sample showed the highest proportions of social work academics with doctoral qualifications, with the lowest levels being found in the Danish sample and the English sample being situated in‐between.

Keywords:

• Social Work Education
• Teachers
• Education Profiles
• Doctorates
• Research
• Expertise
• Competencies
• Denmark
• England
• Germany

Notes

1. The author is an Administrator in the European Commission, Brussels. However, opinions expressed in this paper are those of its author. Under no circumstances may they be taken to represent the position of the European Commission.

2. Note on terminology: the notion of ‘schools’ includes departments in multi‐department institutions, as in England and Germany, as well as mono‐disciplinary schools, as in Denmark and Germany.

3. Note on terminology: reference is made consistently to England, not the United Kingdom, since all universities included in the British sample are English and because devolution has affected British social work education as well as access to professional practice.

4. In German and French, the use of double forms indicating that both men and women occupy the positions concerned is a meaningful way of underscoring the anti‐oppressive philosophy of social work. Though lengthy and unusual in English, insisting on these double forms seems natural when listing qualifications and professions from other European countries.

5. Unlike in English, the word evangelisch refers to mainstream Protestantism.