The University Training of Social Workers: Elements of Innovation, Positive and Critical Aspects in the Case of Italy

Social Work of the Future: Motives and Expectations among Social Work Students in Sweden

“…We found that when students answered the question on what motives had influenced their decision to study social work, altruistic motives dominated, as also found in several other studies about social work students (Facchini & Giraldo, 2013;Osteen, 2011;Hackett, 2003;Kuronen, Matthies & Kresal 2003;Giurgiu & Marica, 2013;Steven et al 2010;Bradley et al, 2013). However, when they answered the open question on what expectations they had of the program, the focus of the answers was on learning things and acquiring knowledge.…”

“…However, in this study, it seems as if students were a little more individualistic when they had to choose one or the other. The role models given by the students give some idea about the basis of their motivation and are in agreement with earlier research by Facchini & Giraldo (2013) and Osteen (2011). When it came to stating what the most important task of social work was, it seems that the Swedish student group was not very different from other social work students in Europe (Hackett et al, 2003).…”

“…answering questions on why they study social work (Facchini & Giraldo, 2013;Osteen, 2011;Hackett, Kuronen, Matthies & Kresal 2003;Giurgiu & Marica, 2013;Steven et al 2010;Bradley et al, 2013). Besides altruistic motives, which could be verbalized as; "to have a job that achieves something", "helping others", "to make a positive contribution to society", "wanting to do something important, do something good", "wanted to help people", "help overcome discrimination", "to be of service to others", "a dedication to social justice", other motives that could be perceived as more individualistic have been discerned; some students are also attracted to study social work due to the possibility to get a stable job (Facchini & Giraldo, 2013;Hackett et al, 2003), have a career (Stevens et al, 2013;Christie, 2006;Christie & Kruk, 1998), express creativity (Giurgiu & Marica, 2013), because of teaching modes offered by the program (Facchini & Giraldo, 2013) or due to lifestyle issues (Bradley et al, 2012;Stevens et al, 2013).…”

“…It seems as if a low salary is something that is of less importance to social work students (Facchini & Giraldo, 2013;Stoesz, Karger & Carrilio, 2010). Having said this, the social work professionals are not averse to making money or receiving acknowledgement when these are possible.…”

“…The basis of student's motivation for social work is often found within their personal experiences, ideological or religious orientation, and traditions within the family (Facchini & Giraldo, 2013;Osteen, 2011).…”