Social work professional organizations. Initial steps for filling a gap

Abstract This article addresses a notable gap in social work literature by focusing on social work professional organizations (SWPOs), which play a crucial role in shaping the professional identity and collective actions of social workers. Despite their significance, SWPOs have been underexplored in academic research. This study argues for increased attention to SWPOs and takes initial steps towards developing a research framework grounded in theories of structuration, neo-institutionalism, and strategic relational approaches. The proposed framework positions SWPOs at the intersection of structure and agency, highlighting their potential influence on both social work(ers) and social policy. It acknowledges the importance of contexts and spatiotemporal conjunctures, defining three analytical levels, two fundamental action strategies, and their potential impacts. Additionally, the paper advocates for a ‘glocal’ comparative approach to address the diverse and evolving environments in which SWPOs operate. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for further research to advance the understanding of SWPOs.