Support across life course regimes. A comparative model of social work as construction of social problems, needs, and rights

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 277-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Walther
2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 54-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mona B Livholts

Exhaustion is not about being tired. It is an intense feeling of restlessness, of insomnia, and awakening when I ask myself: have I exhausted all that is possible? Such a state of restlessness and wakefulness represents a turning point for having enough, and opens for new possibilities to act for social change. This reflexive essay departs from the notion that the language of exhaustion offers a wor(l)dly possibility for social work(ers) to engage in critical analytical reflexivity about our locations of power from the outset of our (g)local environment worlds. The aim is to trace the transformative possibilities of social change in social work practice through the literature of exhaustion (eg. Frichot, 2019 ; Spooner, 2011 ). The methodology is based on uses of narrative life writing genres such as poetry, written and photographic diary entrances between the 4th of April and 4th of June. The essay shows how tracing exhaustion during the pandemic, visualises a multiplicity of forms of oppression and privilege, an increasing attention and relationship to things, and border movements and languages. I suggest that social work replace the often-used terminology of social problems with exhaustive lists to address structural forms of racism, sexism, ableism, ageism, which has been further visualized through death, illness, violence, and poverty during the pandemic. I argue that the language of exhaustion is useful for reflexivity and action in social work practice through the way it contributes to intensified awareness, attention, engagement, listening, and agency to create social justice.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-29
Author(s):  
Asmar Husein ◽  
Santoso Tri Raharjo ◽  
Eva Nuriyah Hidayat

Social work is a unique relief profession as unique as individuals, groups and societies. Social relations as the main media in performing the art of social work practice. The art of social work practice is an expression of intuition results that creates creativity in dealing with social problems. In this century, it is necessary to show a brand new model of social work practice along with the emergence of contemporary social problems. So that in the Indonesian context, a unique character and characteristic are needed. This journal is a literature review from various sources that aims to present the new concept of the art of social work practice in Indonesia. So far, the science of social work has not been sufficient in dealing with social problems. Here is the urgency and connection between science and the art of social work practice. Thus, the relationship between the two cannot be separated. Because, basically, within the practice of social work lies an art. 


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (23) ◽  
pp. 13198
Author(s):  
Inês Casquilho-Martins

The effects of the international crisis brought economic and financial risks, as well as consequences for human, social and sustainable development. This study aims to analyse the effects of social intervention with families since the 2008 crisis in Portugal. Through a qualitative approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with social workers (23), to identify the main impacts of the crisis and the adopted social intervention practices. We highlight a new increase in social problems and the growth of vulnerable groups facing an unprepared social protection system. The Portuguese case reveals that the effects of austerity have shown a decline in the welfare and benefits system, leading to worsened social problems, such as increased poverty and unemployment, as well as social inequalities. Social Work was required to respond to these consequences, although organisational contexts and austerity measures constrained practitioners’ autonomy. By reflecting on this critical period, we seek to contribute to better social protection and assistance models in the face of the current and future crisis. In this sense, Social Work practice ensures a means to guarantee fundamental rights and social justice, preparing social workers and social intervention for new challenges in crisis contexts.


2020 ◽  
pp. 141-158
Author(s):  
LaTonya J. Trotter

This chapter assesses the challenges faced by the Forest Grove Elder Services' social workers, providing a better understanding of the hurdles faced by the profession at large. State disinvestment in social problems grounds the devaluation of social work as a profession. However, this may be of little interest to anyone who is not a social worker. If the Grove's members were getting their needs met by others—whether it be nurse practitioners (NPs), chaplains, or occupational therapists (OTs)—it is not readily apparent how this devaluation might impact anything other than the professional aspirations of social workers. The chapter then argues that there are consequences for relocating problems from one terrain to another. The tools found in the clinic may not be the same as those located outside it. Moreover, not all social work concerns are necessarily taken up by those best positioned as advocates. At the Grove, social concerns were addressed both by those with recognized credentials and by those without them. When anyone is perceived as able to do social work, clients may lose an ally with the organizational power to advocate on their behalf. The chapter illustrates that the relocation of social problems has implications for people's understanding of what constitutes those problems and what they envision as the available arsenal of solutions.


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