ABSTRACT
In the first half of the century social work passionately pursued an identity that would permit it to lay claim to being a scientifically based profession. As the twenty-first century begins it is questionable whether social work will remain among the family of major helping professions. It does not unequivocally meet all the major attributes of what constitutes a profession, and it is difficult to assign it to an indisputable niche sanctioned by society. To remain at the level of a major profession is its central challenge as well as its opportunity. This book has presented an analysis of the issues facing social work and a few recommendations for meeting the challenges. The fundamental theme of the book is that social work faces a series of challenges to be met and overcome if it is to move into the coming century as a relevant and viable profession.
