'You could damage somebody’s life': student and lecturer perspectives on commitment and social work education
Abstract
Retention problems in the social work profession have been well documented. There is evidence that social workers experience a shorter working life compared to many other professional groups. Despite existing links between commitment to the job role and important work outcomes such as retention, few studies have investigated commitment in social work students. This study utilised qualitative data to examine this issue from the perspective of seven social work students and three lecturers. Aspects of commitment, as well as associated concepts such as perceptions of support and perspectives on the social work profession were explored. Commitment was primarily seen by students and lecturers as synonymous with dedication to the profession and its values. The extent and nature of support from a range of sources was seen as varying in quality, although peer support was generally seen in positive terms. It is suggested that interventions to enhance peer support have the potential to enhance student commitment and, consequently, retention.Citation
Clements, A.J., Kinman, G. & Guppy, A. (2012) 'You could damage somebody's life: Student and lecturer perspectives on commitment', Social Work Education, pp.1-14.Publisher
Taylor and Francis GroupJournal
Social Work EducationType
ArticleLanguage
enDescription
Social Work EducationISSN
0261-5479ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1080/02615479.2012.741579