An international comparison: Social pedagogy training

Summary This study adopts a comparative perspective to present a descriptive analysis of the state of social pedagogy training at universities in different countries. It arises out of an interest to construct a global, current and integrated perspective of social pedagogy. The study uses a quantitative methodology to analyse the content of social pedagogy curricula based on the principal dimensions that shape them, which have been defined by academic experts in previous search (Janer & Úcar, 2016). Findings The results indicate that in most of the universities analysed social pedagogy is a subject within other social and educational science studies rather than a degree or specialization in its own right. There is coherence between what the academic experts point out and the specific content of university studies in social pedagogy as regards the political, ethical and social dimension of the context and, regarding the varied scope of intervention and use of methodologies. However, the epistemological, professional, historical and functional dimensions have little presence in social pedagogy university studies. Applications The theoretical and practical field of social pedagogy is complex and subject to multiple and varied interpretations. This study contributes to the theoretical debate on the nature of social pedagogy. This analysis is relevant from both a scientific and a social perspective. It’s necessary to working towards building a common and universal theoretical core for social pedagogy to achieve a transmission of knowledge regarding all of the analysed dimensions clearer and help unite its theoretical, educational and professional spheres.