Між регулюванням та визнанням: професійна ідентичність та ліцензування в соціальній роботі Албанії

This article explores how licensing and regulation processes shape the professional identity of social workers in Albania, a post-socialist context where social work remains a relatively young profession. Drawing on the theoretical framework of recognition (Honneth, 1995) and professionalization theory, the study investigates how formal mechanisms of control intersect with social workers’ lived experiences of value, autonomy, and legitimacy. The qualitative research is based on semi-structured interviews with licensed practitioners across diverse institutional settings. Findings reveal ambivalent meanings attached to licensing: while it provides visibility, legitimacy, and a sense of belonging to a recognized profession, it also generates tensions related to bureaucratic control, unequal access, and limited professional agency. The article argues that the Albanian case illustrates the dual nature of professional regulation—as both a tool of governance and a vehicle for recognition. Implications are discussed for strengthening professional ethics, reflective supervision, and policy frameworks supporting social work education and practice in transitional societies.