The Flexner Myth and the History of Social Work

Abraham Flexner's pronouncement in 1915 that social work was not a full profession came at a critical point in the intellectual development of social work and social work education. It led to strenuous efforts by organized social work to fulfill the criteria of a profession set forth by Flexner. The author suggests that these criteria should be put aside and attention directed toward developmental requirements that reflect the distinctive characteristics of social work as a major profession.