Social Work Professional Organizations in Italy and Spain: characteristics, roles, opportunities, and challenges within the professional order and college systems

Abstract

This chapter analyses the challenges and opportunities faced By Professional Social Work Organizations in Italy and Spain in order to assess their impact on social work and social policy in both countries.

Using a mixed-methods perspective, it examines how the main professional social work organizations use public communication to influence national policies. The analysis includes both qualitative and quantitative studies, providing a comprehensive overview of the communication strategies employed. It also presents the results of two simultaneous surveys conducted in the regional headquarters of the main professional associations in Tuscany and Madrid. These surveys seek to understand key aspects of social workers’ participation, such as their level of involvement, the barriers they face and the professional development opportunities they perceive.

The chapter identifies both the achievements and limitations of professional social work organizations in Italy and Spain, providing a critical and constructive overview to inform future research and improvements in professional and organizational activity.