Value-Based Attitude toward Older Generation in the Future Social Workers’ Professional Readiness Structure

Abstract

The relevance of the study is determined by demographic population ageing, the growing need for high-quality social services for older generation , the necessity of overcoming ageist and paternalistic attitudes in social work, and the increasing importance of the ethical component in the professional education of future specialists. The aim of the research is to theoretically clarify the essence of a value-based attitude toward older generation, substantiate its place in the structure of future social workers’ professional readiness, and identify the substantive characteristics of this phenomenon in the context of contemporary professional training. The research methods included theoretical analysis, generalisation, systematisation, and comparison of scholarly approaches to the professional readiness of future social workers, gerontological training, students’ attitudes toward older generation , empathy, intergenerational interaction, and non-discriminatory practice. Structural and logical analysis was used to determine the place of a value-based attitude within the system of professional readiness, while analytical modelling was applied to distinguish its substantive characteristics, criteria, indicators, and pedagogical conditions for its formation. The results of the study made it possible to substantiate a value-based attitude toward older generation  as an integral personal and professional characteristic of a future social worker. Its manifestations were identified in respect for the dignity of an older person, recognition of their autonomy, life experience, social agency, right to choice, participation in community life, and partnership-based interaction in the process of social support. It has been demonstrated that a value-based attitude performs integrative and meaning-making functions, as it connects the motivational-value, cognitive, emotional-empathic, communicative-activity, and reflective components of professional readiness. The criteria for the formation of this phenomenon have been defined as motivational-value, cognitive, emotional-empathic, behavioural-activity, and reflective. It is concluded that a value-based attitude toward older generation  should be regarded not as a secondary manifestation of a general humanistic orientation, but as an important component of future social workers’ professional readiness. Its purposeful formation contributes to improving the quality of professional training, developing ethical sensitivity, overcoming ageism, and promoting partnership-based, non-discriminatory interaction with older generation.