ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the evolution of social work as a field of education in Finland, and reflects on its current status and challenges with regard to welfare state and social problems. It shows how the neoliberal transformations of the welfare state are changing social problems and what kind of challenge this presents to social work and social work education. The chapter argues that the fragmenting of the universalism of the welfare state, increasing inequality and, most recently, the challenges of migration have created new pressures for social work in Finland. The origins of social work education in Finland are closely connected to the building of the welfare state and the strengthening of the position of universities within education policy. As a result of the current social and political situation, social work education and the social work profession are being pulled in multiple directions. The strength of social work in Finland has been a strong link between research, education and practice.
