Mapping Comparative Empirical Studies of European Social Work

Abstract

This paper reviews the scope of currently published materials about comparative empirical social work research within Europe, published in English over a two-decade period (1980–2000). To this end, the paper is divided into four sections. First, an account of the scope and methods used to conduct this review. Second, a brief analysis of non-empirical published materials. Third, in the bulk of the paper, identified comparative studies are discussed in depth, with a particular focus upon methodological issues. Finally, by way of a conclusion, comments are made about the state of contemporary empirical studies within European social work, and the relationship of these studies to the construction of social work knowledge. In addition, some suggestions of possible sites for improvement in respect of comparative empirical research about social work in Europe are made.