The Transition to Modern Social Work in Iran

The Transition to Modern Social Work in Iran

An Analysis of the Current State, Challenges, and Transformation Strategies

Introduction: From Charitable Motivation to Professional Commitment

Social work, as a specialized profession and an academic discipline, plays a vital role in promoting the well-being of individuals, families, and society [1]. In today’s complex and modern societies, which face multifaceted issues such as poverty, unemployment, domestic violence, and addiction, the importance of this profession has become more evident than ever. This profession operates beyond charitable acts or temporary aid and is based on a body of knowledge, skills, and human values [1].

However, the understanding and application of this profession in various countries, including Iran, have followed a challenging path. The necessity of transitioning from traditional approaches to modern models in response to more complex social needs is the central issue addressed in this report.

The practical roots of social work in Iran, as in many societies, have always existed in a traditional form, though it was largely based on advice and acts of philanthropy [2]. However, the true transformation of this field in Iran dates back to the contemporary era. Sattareh Farmanfarmaian is recognized as the founder of academic social work in Iran, who, through her efforts, elevated this field from an informal activity to an independent university discipline [3, 4].

This action laid the foundation for the movement toward modern social work in the country, but the path taken to date has had its own complexities and challenges. This report proceeds to provide a comprehensive analysis of the conceptual transformations, an evaluation of the current state of social work in Iran, and practical strategies for facilitating this transition.

Conceptual Transformation: Traditional vs. Modern Social Work Paradigms

Definition and Origins: From Philanthropy to Specialization

The origins of social work date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the industrial revolution and rapid economic and social changes created new problems such as urban poverty and difficult working conditions [1, 3]. Initially, the response to these issues was primarily in the form of voluntary activities and religious or charitable associations [1].

This approach, which can be called “traditional social work,” was based on a sense of philanthropy and temporary aid and lacked a scientific and professional framework [5].

In this model, activities were more about providing advice and moral guidance by older or more experienced individuals, and people engaged in helping others based on personal interests [2, 5].

In contrast, “modern social work,” which emerged after the introduction of university education and the development of professional standards, is a specialized profession and an academic discipline [1, 5].

The latest official definition of this profession, adopted in 2014 by the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) and the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), defines social work as a “practice-based profession and an academic discipline” that “facilitates social development and change, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people” [1, 6].

This definition emphasizes fundamental principles such as social justice, human rights, collective responsibility, and respect for diversity [1, 6].

Although some experts believe that the division of social work into “traditional” and “modern” is not perfect and that it represents a spectrum, this distinction helps in a better understanding of the paradigmatic shift in this field [5].

Change in Core Philosophy: From Problem-Solving to Empowerment

An analysis of the definitions of social work reveals a profound change in the core philosophy of this profession. In the early definitions and the traditional approach, the focus was mainly on “helping individuals to solve problems” and providing temporary relief for an issue [1]. This view is a reactive or “problem-oriented” approach, where the social worker acts only after a problem or harm has occurred [5].

This model ignored social issues as the main reasons for unemployment or other individual problems and sought the root of the issues only within the individual [5].

In contrast, the 2014 definition, going beyond problem-solving, emphasizes “empowerment” and “liberation” [1, 6]. This change signifies that the ultimate goal is not just to solve a temporary problem, but to help the client identify and overcome structural and personal obstacles [1].

In this modern approach, social problems are also considered to be involved in the individual’s issues [5]. This approach has a “health-oriented” and preventive outlook that, instead of focusing on harm, emphasizes the client’s potential for growth and change [5].

This shift in perspective is the most important indicator of the transition from traditional to modern social work.

The Social Worker’s Role: From Counselor to Interdisciplinary Expert and Agent of Change

In the traditional approach, the social worker’s role was mainly defined as a “counselor” for temporary problem relief [1]. Due to its unscientific nature, this role ultimately led to temporary or even harmful results in the long run [7].

However, in modern models, the social worker’s role is much more complex and comprehensive. The social worker is no longer just a counselor but an “agent of change” [1].

They act as an interdisciplinary expert at the individual, group, and community levels [7]. This requires the social worker to borrow knowledge from various fields such as psychology, sociology, economics, law, public health, and political science to make the necessary assessments and interventions to solve complex problems [3, 8]. For example, a social worker dealing with child abuse may act as both a psychological counselor and a moral and religious expert [7].

At the community level, they can, with an awareness of group dynamics, guide the community’s potential energies to address existing harms [7].

This comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective is one of the most fundamental differences between modern social work and older models.

Table 1: Comparison of Traditional and Modern Social Work Paradigms

Assessment of the Current Situation: The Dominant Approach in Iranian Social Work

Given the conceptual transformations that have taken place, the question arises as to what era the social work community in Iran is in and whether modern approaches have become dominant. Studies show that social work in Iran, despite its conceptual closeness to global standards, still largely maintains a “problem-oriented” approach [5, 10].

This means that a large part of the activities and interventions only begin after a problem or harm has occurred (such as addiction, poverty, or delinquency) and are focused on solving it [5].

This reactive approach is rooted in the nature of governmental organizations that are generally defined to address visible harms based on central problems. Such a structure leaves less room for health-oriented and preventive planning and actions.

Nevertheless, signs of a gradual transformation toward modern approaches are also observed. The activity of over 380 private social work clinics in the country [5], some of which specialize in health-oriented and preventive work, indicates a nascent transformation in the non-governmental sector [5].

This development shows that there is a demand for modern social work in society, and the private sector and NGOs are responding to it with greater agility. However, there is a deep gap between conceptual understanding (which has approached global standards) and practical performance (which is still largely problem-oriented).

This gap is the main current challenge in Iranian social work and shows that merely changing definitions and concepts is not enough; it must be accompanied by practical and structural actions to create synergy between different governmental and private sectors.

Strategies for the Transition to Modern Social Work in Iran: An Operational Roadmap

A successful transition to modern social work requires an operational roadmap that simultaneously targets three key areas: education, intervention methods, and policymaking processes.

Educational and Academic Reforms

The social work education system in Iran needs a fundamental review. Current university training is sometimes distant from the complexities of modern society and modern approaches, and there is a need for continuous research in this field [4, 12].

Curricula should be revised with an emphasis on training specialized social workers skilled in interdisciplinary skills [2, 7]. Instead of purely theoretical education, there should be an emphasis on “Evidence-Based Practices” and continuous research in the educational system [12, 13].

This will enable social workers to use their interdisciplinary knowledge to specialize in solving problems in various fields such as psychology, sociology, economics, and law [7].

Shifting from Theoretical to Operational Approaches

To facilitate the transition, social workers must become familiar with and be able to implement new practical models and methods. These models allow them to move away from the traditional view and act purposefully and professionally [7]. Some of these models include:

• Strength-Based Approach: This model, instead of focusing on harms and problems, focuses on the strengths and potentials of the individual, family, and community [6, 11]. By relying on the principle that every individual and society has internal resources and strengths, the social worker helps the client use these strengths to overcome challenges and create change [11].
• Narrative Social Work: This approach helps the client to “externalize” the problem and, by defining their story of a situation, gain control over it [11]. This method enables the individual to separate themselves from their problem and define new solutions for their future.
• Case Management: This is a comprehensive approach to providing multifaceted services to clients who face complex and multiple problems [6, 11]. This model is especially effective in areas like burns, where the individual faces psychological, social, and treatment challenges, and it facilitates inter-sectoral collaborations [6].

Changing the Approach from Top-Down to Bottom-Up

One of the significant challenges in Iran is the disregard for social workers in the approval of laws and macro-level decisions [4, 14]. To solve this issue, social workers must move beyond the role of merely being “implementers” and be elevated to the role of “agents of change” [15]. This transformation requires a “Bottom-Up” approach in social policymaking [15]. Social workers, through their daily and direct contact with people and their problems, are the best liaison for transferring the real needs and issues of society to senior managers [15].

They should, through field research and continuous communication with target groups, formulate their practical and localized solutions and propose them to senior managers [15]. This helps policymakers create scientific, practical, and context-appropriate programs rather than cliché and impractical ones. This approach not only leads to more effective problem-solving but also solidifies the professional status of social workers.

Challenges and Obstacles to Transformation in Iran

Despite the necessity and signs of transformation, social work in Iran faces multiple challenges that slow down this transition.

Structural and Administrative Obstacles

One of the biggest obstacles is the ambiguity in professional status and the absence of a strong and systematic professional organization for this field [4, 14]. This has led to the entry of non-specialized individuals into this field and a decrease in the professional standing of social workers [4]. Furthermore, social workers are disregarded in many laws related to their profession, and there is no proper organizational structure for their activities in various sectors (such as industry) [4, 14]. These structural obstacles not only affect social workers but also question the credibility of the entire profession and reduce public trust.

Social and Cultural Challenges

The limited public knowledge about social work activities is a serious challenge [4]. Many people equate social work merely with financial and charitable aid, which indicates a misunderstanding of the professional and scientific nature of this field [4]. This misconception is an obstacle to attracting public participation and making optimal use of the specialized services of social workers.

Educational and Economic Challenges

The social work education system is challenging due to structural weaknesses and insufficient connection with the daily needs of society [4, 12]. The lack of continuous research and inadequate university education limit the ability of social workers to respond to the complex issues of modern society [4]. Additionally, economic problems and livelihood concerns for those in this profession have been highlighted as a prominent issue that can affect motivation and quality of work [4].

Table 2: Key Challenges of Social Work in Iran and Transformation Strategies

The Role of Key Institutions in the Development of Modern Social Work in Iran

In the process of transitioning to modern social work, key institutions play a vital role. It seems that governmental bodies are primarily engaged in acute and problem-oriented issues, while associations, NGOs, and the private sector play a pioneering role in implementing modern approaches and structural reforms.

Iranian Social Workers Association

The Iranian Social Workers Association, with its history dating back to 1961, has played an important role in the history of this profession [9]. The main mission of this association is to assist in social policymaking, raise public awareness, and strengthen the professional and social status of the profession [9].

The association’s membership in the International Federation of Social Workers and the formation of specialized working groups in modern fields such as informal settlements, addiction, disasters, and social policymaking indicate a modern and responsive approach to the needs of today’s society [9].

The Role of NGOs and Private Clinics

The growth and activity of NGOs and private clinics indicate the emergence of a new paradigm in Iran. For example, the Zeno NGO, by providing specialized services in the field of burns and using modern approaches such as “case management” and a “strength-based approach,” is a concrete example of the transition to modern social work [6].

This organization, with its focus on empowering individuals and using a comprehensive approach, provides multifaceted services to clients. Social work clinics are also filling the existing gap in the governmental social work system by offering “health-oriented” and specialized services [5].

These institutions show that where governmental bodies operate slowly due to bureaucratic structures, the private and non-governmental sectors are responding to complex social needs with flexibility and innovation.

The Role of Specialized Media and News Outlets

Specialized media and news outlets play a crucial role in shaping attitudes, increasing social awareness, and elevating the status of social work [16]. One of the most prominent examples in this area is the “Comprehensive Iranian Social Workers Website” at iraniansocialworkers.ir, which is known as a specialized and authoritative media outlet in the fields of social work and resilience [17, 18].

This website, by focusing on analyzing special cases and publishing scientific articles, provides practical solutions for increasing resilience in individuals and communities [18]. This media outlet also uses a “bottom-up” approach to transfer practical ideas and solutions from social workers to senior managers [15].

In addition to this website, the “Madadkar News Website” (madadkarnews.ir) acts as a prominent online magazine and news hub in this field [19, 20].

This media outlet, which began its activities in 2012, entered a new phase of credibility and influence in 2023 with the official license from the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance [19]. These specialized media outlets, by publishing educational and analytical content, have created a platform for the exchange of information and knowledge in the social work community and, by conducting media campaigns, play an effective role in highlighting key issues and promoting culture-building in this profession [20, 21].

Conclusion and Strategic Recommendations

Social work in Iran is at a sensitive and transitional stage. While it has conceptually approached global standards and modern approaches such as empowerment and health-orientation are being discussed, in practice, the dominant approach is still “problem-oriented” and reactive.

This duality has led to numerous structural, social, educational, and economic challenges that prevent the full growth and impact of this profession. In this context, key institutions such as the Social Workers Association and NGOs play a pioneering role in implementing and promoting modern models.

To facilitate this transition, the following strategic recommendations are offered:

• For Policymakers: Provide legal support for the creation of a social work professional organization and define a clear professional status for this field. Furthermore, use a “bottom-up” approach and leverage the practical experience of social workers in drafting social policies and programs.
• For Educational Institutions: Conduct a comprehensive revision of curricula with an emphasis on practical, interdisciplinary, and evidence-based training. Train social workers who can act as interdisciplinary experts in society.
• For the Professional Body: Work to increase public awareness of the professional nature of social work and counter the limited public perception (equating it with financial aid). Also, increase inter-sectoral collaborations and publish scientific research to strengthen the profession’s status.

The future outlook for social work in Iran is a profession that has gained its true status as a scientific and specialized field and is recognized as a key agent in social development, welfare, and social justice. This is achievable with the coordinated and comprehensive efforts of policymakers, educational institutions, and the professional body.

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