The profession of social work: comparing Germany and Singapore

Using a comparative approach the professional characteristics of social work in Germany and Singapore were analysed. The literature about the profession in both countries was reviewed according to eight criteria suggested by Weiss-Gal and Welbourne (The professionalisation of social work: A cross-national exploration. International Journal of Social Welfare, 17, 281-290, 2008): (1) public recognition, (2) monopoly over social care, (3) professional autonomy, (4) specific knowledge base, (5) educational system, (6) social work organisations, (7) code of ethics, and (8) status and prestige. Our analysis yielded similarities and differences in social work as a profession between the two countries. Common to Germany and Singapore is the existence of a body of knowledge, the professional training of social workers in higher education, the establishment of professional organisations, and the adoption of a code of ethics. The full definition of being a profession with respect to professional monopoly and autonomy is not reached by either one of the two countries. While extended education since the Bologna reform may lead to enhanced public recognition in Germany, relatively low salaries indicate a low status and prestige of the profession. In Singapore, the government just recently intentionally increased social workers' remuneration to improve public recognition and to tackle social problems more effectively.