Dr Natasha Long and Dr Corina Modderman are undertaking an Australian-based project that explores community perceptions of social work, and social workers’ perceptions of social work, to gain a more nuanced understanding of the profile of the social work profession in Australia, and internationally.
‘Currently there is little understanding around what social workers think about how they, and the profession of social work, are viewed by the public,’ Dr Modderman said. ‘We are interested in gaining a better understanding of how social work is understood in regional, rural, remote and metropolitan areas.’
This study is undertaken in partnership with academics from around the world, including Dr Barbara Staniforth from Auckland University in New Zealand, Professor Schiller from the University of Fort Hare in South Africa, and Professor Trappenburg from Utrecht University in the Netherlands. The team will share their findings to compare similarities and differences in social work perceptions internationally.
How you can get involved
Dr Long and Dr Modderman are calling for volunteers in Australia to complete a short survey to assist with their research.
- Social Work professionals can complete the survey here.
- Community members can complete the survey here.
Find out more about studying Social Work at the La Trobe Rural Health School.
For further information:
Dr Natasha Long
Social Work Lecturer and Researcher
La Trobe Rural Health School | La Trobe University
T: 03 5444 7431 | E: n.long@latrobe.edu.au
