Is social work an endangered breed? An analysis of the challenges for social work in Malta

Abstract

Literature about the challenges to the development of the social work profession, particularly in Malta, is scarce. A review of the literature shows that there are similar trends in other countries. This paper is based on the data stemming from one of the questions in the qualitative interviews of a doctoral research study. The findings suggest that some of the challenges for social work in Malta include a shortage of social workers, issues with professional identity, status, professional autonomy, differing views between frontline practitioners and management, lack of support, and relatively poor work conditions. The authors recommend possible solutions to address the challenges faced by social workers in Malta and possibly elsewhere. More social work research needs to focus on the contemporary development of social work across the globe.