New voices in social work: an explorative study of female Turkish and Moroccan-Dutch professionals in social work in the Netherlands

Abstract

In social work, the participation of Turkish and Moroccan-Dutch professionals, second and third generation migrant women from a Muslim background, is increasing. In this participative qualitative inquiry, new professionals were actively involved as co-researchers, doing research with peers from the same background. The question addressed is how these professionals deal with identity tensions and if they find positive sources of identification in social work. The new professionals claim a positive identity, connected to what they consider their strength and in particular their faith and ‘otherness’. At the same time, this increases their vulnerability, in a context in which Islam by some is considered a threat to society. The importance of a supportive professional social work identity is advocated.

Keywords:

• Social work identity
• Boundary work
• Islam
• Participative inquiry

Acknowledgements

We are most grateful to the social work students who participated as co-researchers in this research and to all Turkish and Moroccan (Dutch) students and professionals who agreed to be interviewed.