Evolution over time in choosing a career as a social worker

Abstract

ABSTRACT This research aims to understand the evolution over time of the choice of a career in social work and to identify the parameters that influenced the representation of social work. We conducted a cross-sectional study with repeated measures surveying students enrolled in the first two years of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program between 2001 and 2019 at the University of Sherbrooke (Québec, Canada). Analysis of the responses of 431 students aged 18 to 24 showed that most respondents were female. Gender-based comparative analyses suggested that male students entering in social work studies were older than female students. In addition, almost 66% indicated having a personal life experience which led them to social work. Overall, the main function of social work perceived by respondents was help (57.8%). However, comparative analyses showed this proportion significantly decreased between 2001 and 2010 (64.4%) to 2011–2019 (51.4%). This observed trend might be associated with the decrease in political or ‘social justice’ motivations of students in social work observed over the past decades in several countries around the world. This article is based on the first study conducted in Québec that attempts to describe the profile of students enrolled in a BSW program.