The question of identity is raising concern as it becomes the mainstay of conversation on who an individual believes they are. Identity is a root construct that is not only versatile such that it can be applied to a different phenomenon. The concept also helps to bridge the gap between social life like individuals, group, team or even the organization. The concept of identity is all about a definition which is concerned with the way people define themselves, what is valued and the collective relations about an object or person (Webb, 2017). This paper examines identity in social work, its development and application. The paper addresses key findings from social workers interviewed in the video and a conclusion.
Background
Identity has been a subject under strong criticism from the social science due to the varied perspectives that it has evoked. The indiscriminate use of the topic and its appeals has also contributed to the debate on the issue. There are conceptual ambiguities, disagreements on the core attributes and challenges in identifying important elements in the constitution of identity. Issues of narrative representation on the values, roles, and work of the social worker and educational context have also contributed to the complexity of the matter. There is no generally accepted meaning of professional identity. The issue is further complicated by competing theories that have been formulated to explain the concept. Issues of identity in social work are contestable where there are competing issues that try to identify the specifics of the practice at both the collective and individual level generating debate on professional identity and social work.
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Social work as a profession has struggled in search of identity and a distinctive function. The profession has struggled to try to understand different dialectics like where to focus on either environment or people, clinical versus social actions, artistic or scientific dimensions of the practice. A clear understanding of the historical context of social work, for example, can be helpful in the understanding of the profession and the ongoing search for identity. Concerted efforts in this direction can be helpful in the search for social purpose and the dilemma of trying to achieve respect and status (Gitterman, 2014).
The history of the profession, its functional diffusion and status can be helpful to the social worker in developing an identity and identifying a place among other professionals. Social workers need to understand that the profession has undergone many professional and societal currents to be what it is currently. Choices between social work that focuses on the environment or the person or social work embracing science or art are simply ideas presented in different perspectives. It is difficult to separate some of these issues thus trying to understand both or embracing them to be able to integrate them to develop clarity of the concepts and the different functions of social work (Gitterman, 2014).
The literature on professional identity has continuously revealed its changing nature driven by rapid changes affecting organizations, the professional life, and the workplace. The concept is also closely related to matters of economic as well as political changes for example austerity measures and technology. According to studies, professional identity is fashioned on temporary situations. The issue is further complicated by individuals who occupy several position and shifts in their jobs or even negotiate with organizations. According to Ashforth et al., (2008), two major phenomena are at work in the formation and maintenance of identity. The two are a sense of belonging and attachment. Professional identity consists three significant factors; distinctive, prestige and the salience of the outgroups.
Professional identity is a stable and enduring combination of attributes, values, motives, and experiences according to the way individual define their professional role. The professional identity shows to others that an individual possesses unique, scarce and skilled abilities. Membership to an organization indicates where a person works professionals, on the other hand, are defined by what they do (Pratt et al, 2006).
The way social workers socialize can contribute to professional identity in different ways. Activities like formal and on the job training can offer the required skills, knowledge and abilities that identify an individual as a member of a particular professional. Such aspects offer the newcomers with the tools that they need to do the work that identifies a profession. Socialization can also avail mentors, role models and opportunities for interacting with members who have experience in the profession. Such individual can assist the newcomers as they try to understand the meaning of professional in a given field (Bolin, Crews, Countryman-Roswurm & Grant, 2014).
Mentoring can expose an individual to two types of functions which are career and psychosocial support where its core purpose is to provide the required professional identity (Dobrow & Higgins, 2005; Hall & Burns, 2009). Traditionally, mentorship was seen as a one on one relationship but recent developments focus on multiple developmental relationships. Informal developmental relationships, the organization facilitate the connection between the mentor and mentee. Informal on the other hand, involves a situation where the participants initiate the relationship and are common between newcomers and the experienced members who help them to adjust. Diversity in the developmental relationship networks offers a substantial support, resources, and information for the construction of identity. Mentors can also be role models who can provide the desired support to the mentee.
The use of beliefs and attachment and a sense of belonging is a well-established issue in the study of professional identity. Identifying oneself as a professional can be attributed to increased personal accomplishment. However, the formation of identity can be regarded as social and relational in nature. From the literature review, it is evident that the concept of identity is a complex one that different writers have tried to answer. The significance of identity to social work and professional development is still contested as studies have not established a common ground or acceptable insight on the subject. Professional identity is not a stable issue but an ongoing process for interpreting and customizing which is affected by contextual factors in the workplace. In this regard, the formation of identity is more interactive and problematic than simply adopting the role of a social worker.
Social workers have been engaged in inter-professional collaboration especially in healthcare. They have an opportunity to provide support to individuals from other disciplines. According to a study conducted by IPEC in the U.S.A in 2011, six themes emerged from the study on inter-professional competencies. They include a collaborative culture, self-identity, role clarification, decision making, power dynamics, and communication. The six were considered to be relevant to the teams and could enhance their collaborations when they are properly considered in every arrangement involving the team. The issue of self-identity, for example, was discussed from three different perspectives that included diversity within social work, awareness of the contributions of social work and resistance to social work identity. According to the study, social work enhances inter-professional collaboration by broadening the team from its traditional model. Social workers have to be competent in their roles in a manner that is self-directing. It was identified that their roles helped to fill in service gaps and address the complexities of the different positions (Bolin, Crews, Countryman-Roswurm & Grant, 2014).
Lack of clarity and clear roles poses a challenge to the field of social work. The social worker faces a challenge of trying to identify the professional identity that they would like to portray. There are instances when tension arises if the social workers are working in a collaborative team. Social workers as advocates is an important part of identity yet other professionals are unlikely to take instructions from the social workers who request them not to act in an advocacy role. Challenges arise when roles are not clearly clarified and when important decisions are to be made. Similarly, communication breakdown and power dynamics have been identified as possible sources of conflicts.
Findings
From the social worker's videos, there are many commonalities from the way they answer to the questions posed to them by the interviewer. Even though the professionals are asked the same question concerning the differences between social work and other professionals, the answers are different and it is also evident that some of the .professionals finds it difficult to answer the question but it is evident that social work is a helping profession that tries to uplift the life of the vulnerable. The professionals consider the environment in its entirety as they try to address some of the issues that affect their target areas. The professionals have unique features that connect them to fellow social workers as they try to deal with issues that affect the society.
The professionals in the videos were motivated by different factors to be social workers ranging from childhood related issues, parental advice and the desire to improve the living standards of the target population. Most of the professionals concentrated with the target population having worked with them in their early ears for example by volunteering. The social workers perform different roles to the target pop0ulationh by engaging in all aspects surrounding the people. It is evident that from the discussion, most of the professionals are motivated to work with their target group by feelings of accomplishment.
The work of the social workers is dynamic in nature and depends on the circumstances and situations surrounding the engagement. Most of the social workers go beyond their profession to meet the ever-increasing needs of their clients. The professional also considers the commitment to be competent, ethical or even pursuing values that affect the society. Social workers can bring a caliber of skill sets that can easily be identified by a nonsocial. However, social workers try to surround each other with individuals with similar characteristics or whom they can share the same ideas.
Some of the challenges as identified by the professionals include communication, especially with the physical or mental impaired. Similarly, it is difficult to ensure that the target population understands the objectives. Similarly, social workers are exposed to challenging environments that can result in burn out. Some of the stories from clients can also be disheartening and therefore affects the ability to have a relaxed mind. Some of the potential solutions can include easing the burden and relating easily to other people. Social workers can also focus on the small issues rather than on the big picture. It is advisable for social workers to concentrate on the things that they can change.
Policy drives the work of a social worker by ensuring that research can be conducted in related areas especially if they are neglected or perceived to be led important. Through policy, it is also possible to allocate funds to important areas that were initially neglected due to poor planning and different priorities. Policies are essentially important in changing the existing conditions that are likely to affect the ability of the beneficiary to have a level playground. Social change or social justice can only be achieved through policy issues. Different professionals deal with unique policies that affect their target population.
There are many social problems according to the professions. For example from one of the professional, one of the social problems is building bridges by eliminating barriers that prevent the development of society. According to another professional, poverty is a major social problem as it affects the ability of the population to access some of the basic needs that are needed for healthy living.
Conclusion
It is difficult to come up with a generally accepted definition of identity in social work given that different studies have not established an acceptable understanding of the same. Clarity of the subject helps the professionals improve their contribution while working with their target population and other professionals. Social workers need to understand their identity to be able to perform their duties. It is evident that collaboration between social work and other disciplines like healthcare can be useful in enhancing the performance of the team and improving results. However, there should be a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the different groups to avoid any conflicts that are likely to arise from the relationship. There are differences between social work and other professionals and as evidenced in the video, different professionals give varied responses on the same. However, they identify common features that create a connection between them and other social workers. The desire to be a social worker as evidenced in the videos are different and motivated by unique factors similarly, the target populations are different just like the policies that affect the profession. Some of the challenges faced by the professionals are similar in nature and can easily be addressed.
References
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Webb, S. (2017). Professional identity and social work . New York: Routledge: Taylor & Francis Group.
