Reinvented Social Work Profession: Myths, Misconceptions, Critiques and Contradictions

Abstract

In 1936, social work education began in India when the Sir Dorabji Graduate School of Social Work was established. It has been 88 years since then, and there have been numerous changes and advancements in social work education, teaching, and professional practice. Each year, thousands of social work graduates complete their education. The discrepancy between social work theory and its application in the Indian context, the shortage of suitable job opportunities, the uncertainty surrounding social work education and career paths, and the lack of awareness among the general public have all contributed to the decline of social work in India. This article explores the misunderstandings, speculations, and contradictions surrounding the social work profession. It reviews peer-reviewed articles based on the author’s experiences and observations in the field of social work, as well as the collection and analysis of secondary data to discuss the factors that hinder the advancement of social work careers in India and the misconceptions held by the public.