In an interview with taz, Mechthild Seithe reflects on her career and the progressive decline in the conditions surrounding social work since she first raised her concerns in 2011 with 'The Black Book of Social Work.' She notes that the current neoliberal climate has made the situation for social workers even more challenging, showcasing a stark contrast to the relatively better conditions that existed in the past. Seithe emphasizes that the degradation of these conditions is not widely recognized, as people have become accustomed to the struggles of the profession and may not even be aware of how much better things used to be.

Seithe attributes her return to writing to an invitation from younger social workers in Berlin, who highlighted the pressing issues they face today. Their insights motivated her to bring attention once more to the plight of social workers, continuing the dialogue she initiated over a decade ago. Her observations suggest that not only has the profession's environment deteriorated, but there is also a lack of public awareness about these worsening conditions and the historical context that framed the social work landscape in better times.

The implications of Seithe's continued advocacy are significant, as they may spark renewed interest and dialogue about the necessity for reform in social work practices and policies. Her new book aims to shed light on the urgent challenges faced by social workers today, encouraging a reexamination of societal attitudes towards the profession and the support systems that underpin it in the current socio-economic climate.