Eight decades of professional social work

In the almost eight decades of professional social work, there have been a few triumphs but too many trials. At least since 1936, the past leads to a conclusion that the attempt to predict the future role of social work is indeed a serious challenge, particularly in the present uncertain and rapidly changing times. The restructuring of the nation’s welfare system, changes in the economy and the forces of globalization, the onslaught of technology have made a major impact on the lives of ordinary people but social work education and the profession per se have not adequately adapted to these changes. The disenchantment with the current state of affairs of the social work profession in the Indian socio-political and cultural context in terms of its social acceptance, the teaching and practice methodologies, the curriculum and pedagogies, has been voiced by many academics for far too long. The issues and challenges as highlighted from time to time are still unaddressed. Whatever has been done is far too little and too late. There has not been much to cheer, celebrate or be complacent about the current uncertainties that surround this profession today.