Fundamentally concerning the relationship and dynamics between education, professionalism and ethical awareness, this interdisciplinary, edited volume showcases novel research perspectives on professional ethics in education, practice, and the work life of welfare professionals in the Nordic countries.

Contextualising the term ‘welfare professions’ as the collective definition of teachers, early childhood educators, social educators, social workers and nurses in the Nordic countries, the book chiefly concerns their ability to navigate within the complex political and institutional frameworks that surround their working environments. Chapters position their competence to act with strong critical, ethical awareness and integrity as a key tenet of a well-functioning education system, and provide research-based perspectives and reflections on how the dichotomy between ethical standards and realities of practice can lead to ethical pressure and moral distress. With contributions from Denmark and the Nordic countries, as well as Canada and the US, the book offers empirical and theoretical perspectives into the relationship between education, professionalism and ethical awareness, and is supported with empirical examples and research-based case studies. Ultimately, the book showcases and promotes research aimed at strengthening professionalism based on critical, innovative and practice-focused education.

This enlightening book will be essential reading for global academics, researchers and postgraduate students in the fields of pedagogy, professional development, the sociology of education, and education ethics more broadly. Those involved with issues of welfare in society, working life research, policy and professional values will also find the volume of use.