Minority social workers permanently leaving the profession: extent, motivations and implications

The research investigated the scope, motivations and implications of Palestinian minority social workers permanently leaving the profession. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with ten former social workers. It was found that leaving their social work posts, either temporarily or permanently, was a rare occurrence in Palestinian society. The few who abandoned the profession explained that two factors hindered their proper functioning and provision of appropriate services: a severe lack of essential resources; and inappropriate intervention programmes for the unique nature of Arab culture. Those who left the profession expressed satisfaction with their new careers, working as self-employed or senior employees, explaining that their new work compensated for the deficiencies endured in social work. Their departure seems to be a direct result of the socio-political context in which Palestinian social work develops, in particular, Israeli government policies that do not adequately address the needs of Palestinian society’s welfare services.