Public trust towards social workers is essential for legitimacy and accessibility of the social services, as well as for help-seeking behaviour. However, research on public trust towards the social services is lacking. The aim of this study was to describe the extent to which Swedish citizens trust social workers who work within the social services, and to explore patterns in level of trust based on demographic factors and history of service use. The analysis draws on survey data from 2010, 2014, and 2018 (total n = 4975). Logistic regressions were conducted to assess associations between predictor variables and trust. Findings On average, 40 percent of the general public reported a high level of trust regardless of year. Approximately 20 percent reported a low level of trust. The results indicate a slight decrease in trust between 2010 and 2014 but not between 2014 and 2018. No gender or age differences were identified. Low income level, being related to a service user, and low level of education were all associated with low level of trust. Applications Our findings provide new insights regarding variations in levels of trust in the general population. Economically and educationally disadvantaged groups as well as those related to a service user are more likely to report low trust than their more advantaged counterparts. To strengthen legitimacy and accessibility, these groups should be prioritised in trust-enhancing efforts. Still, reports of high trust were predominant, indicating that social workers are generally perceived as trusted providers of social support.

News and media reports on social work have had policy and legislative consequences for social work practice in Sweden. Generally, it is often argued that media reports have negative implications for public perception and public trust towards social services. However, empirical studies supporting such claims are rare. Going back to the classic theory of cultivation regarding media effects, this study investigates possible associations between news media use, public trust in news, and public trust towards social services in Sweden. Analyses are based on survey data from a representative sample of Swedish adults and young adults (n = 1 697) and linear regressions have been applied. In contrast to assumptions in the existing literature, no associations were identified between the level of news use, preferred news outlet and public trust towards the social services, whereas trust in news predicted trust in social services. The findings challenge dominating notions on the implications of news media use and public trust in social services. In short, news reports of the social services do not simply translate into public (dis)trust. This also enable, linear regressions has been applied. In contrast to assumptions in existing literature, no associations.

Public perceptions play a crucial role in shaping the image of any profession, and social work is no exception. It is widely assumed that adverse public views of social work can negatively impact the legitimacy of social services and the well-being of social workers—ultimately threatening efficiency and retention. Yet, empirical studies addressing these assumptions are rare. The current study investigates social workers’ experiences of public perceptions of the social work profession and key factors contributing to public views. Focus groups with Swedish social workers were conducted, and data were analysed via qualitative content analysis. The dirty work framework was applied in interpreting the findings. The analysis revealed that adverse public views are experienced as prevalent and that organisational structures, legislation, and social work practice contribute to such views. However, media portrayals are seen as the most influential factor in establishing adverse public views. Based on the social workers’ experiences, it is concluded that the social services in Sweden can be understood as socially and morally tainted, but that levels of taint differ between social services areas, and efforts to reduce such taint are discussed. 

Adverse public views of social work constitute a threat to the legitimacy, accessibility, and efficiency of social services, as well as to the well-being of social workers. Yet, empirical studies addressing such views are rare, especially from the perspective of social workers. This study investigates how social workers are affected by negative public perceptions of their profession and their associated management strategies. The study draws on focus groups with Swedish social workers, and the data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The “dirty work” framework was applied in interpreting the findings. The analysis reveals that social workers are negatively affected by adverse public views in both their professional and private lives. They have developed strategies to mitigate these consequences. In their work life, these strategies mainly aim to alleviate clients’ fears and anxieties, while in their private lives, they focus on avoiding confrontation with negative views and changing people’s beliefs. Knowledge-enhancing efforts directed towards the public were identified as the most important step for reducing adverse public perceptions. However, the social workers’ own preconceived notions indicate that changes in practice might also be needed. Ways to reduce adverse views and their consequences are discussed.