Social workers in Australia: attitudes towards their working role 1979-1983

The aim of this study was to examine the background, professional characteristics and work expectations of newly qualified social workers completing their professional education in Australia at the end of 1979, and to follow their professional careers over a two or three year period, noting changes in their attitudes towards their profession. Two questionnaires were administered: the first in June 1980, by which time it was hoped that graduates from 1979 would have found, or tried to find, employment; and the second 3 or 4 years later. Broad areas included in the questionnaires were : personal characteristics of the respondents; educational experience; perceptions of their professional social work role and identity; work experiences and functions and perceived influences on their work. Topics covered include: course and institution completed, description of social work component of course, underlying philosophy of social work component of course, most helpful subjects studied, least helpful subjects studied, social work philosophy vs. social work practice, rating of social work in an occupational scale, membership of appropriate union, aims of a professional social work association, current employment details, previous employment details, allocation of time in present position, current stress level, aspects which influence the way in which social workers presently plan and carry out their work, job satisfaction rating, future occupational plans, country of birth, ethnicity, parents' occupations, age, sex, marital status, dependents.