Social Educators in Milan: an intergenerational qualitative study on motivations and incentives for choosing the profession

Abstract

The role of Social Educators, crucial in the landscape of health care professions, suffers from a shortage of professionals, exacerbated by the declining interest of young people in this career, leading to fewer enrollments in the corresponding degree program. The research conducted on 85 Social Educators in the Metropolitan City of Milan investigated the intrinsic and extrinsic motivations of 4 generations, focusing on 3 classes of incentives. Although no significant changes emerged in personal motivation, which is intrinsic and dispositional for all groups, differences were found in the internal perceptions of motivations and a profound discrepancy in the perception of the importance of economic and social incentives. The results highlight the need for policies that support the Social Educators profession to ensure its future and effectiveness.