A Reflection of The Rising Spectre of Conservatism: Motivational Accounts of Social Work Students

It has recently been argued that the increasing conservatism of Western society is reflected in those entering social work. Pearson, however, has argued that social work recruits by their choice of occupation are politically deviant. In this paper motivational accounts of social work students and intending psychologists are examined in light of the emerging political trends. Social work students were more concerned with personal growth, and later in training with effecting social change, than the intending psychologist. An examination of motivational accounts revealed two groups of social work students. The traditional base of the profession was represented by a subgroup who wished to help others and/or effect social change. A second group of students, concerned with the benefits that could accrue to self through social work practice, was also identified. It is considered this privatization reflects the dominant ideological trend being given personal meaning by the student.