A master thesis from Aalborg University
Lydhørhed i Sociale Indsatser: Et kvalitativt studie af udsatte unge voksnes perspektiver og mulige veje til forbedring
[Responsiveness in Social Services: A qualitative study of the perspectives of vulnerable young adults and potentials for improvement]
Forfatter(e)
Semester
4. semester
Uddannelse
Udgivelsesår
2024
Afleveret
2024-04-11
Antal sider
76 pages
Abstract
This thesis examines the experiences and perspectives of vulnerable young adults regarding responsiveness in social services. It is based on a fundamental assumption that there is a need to improve responsiveness in social services. The thesis is developed in collaboration with an EU funded research project: the Responsive Project. The issue is investigated through a citizen perspective based on an understanding that the most vulnerable and marginalized citizens experience the lowest degree of involvement and participation, hence the importance of providing their perspectives and thereby giving them a voice. Additionally, a citizen perspective is considered relevant both in the analysis and development of social work practice. The thesis is conducted as a qualitative study with interviews as the primary source of data. Data were collected at a combined shelter and residence for vulnerable young adults. The target group for the thesis thus includes a marginalized group with complex issues such as homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse and crime. In addition to interviews, the analysis incorporates data from unstructured observations and a future workshop involving several residents. The research question of the thesis is answered through a three-part analysis, consisting of first an explanatory and descriptive analysis based on central themes in the empirical material, which shows the vulnerable young adults' experiences with responsiveness in social services. The analysis identifies a range of concepts related to responsiveness, revealing both facilitating factors and various barriers associated with the young adults' experiences. Next, the young adults' experiences are linked to theoretical perspectives that are found to be significant for their experiences. Part 2 of the analysis thus incorporates theories related to citizen involvement, key concepts from Bourdieu and labeling theory. In the final part of the analysis, a number of ways to improve social services in terms of practicing a responsive approach are identified, including approaches related to relational welfare, empowerment-oriented approaches, and involving vulnerable citizens in co-creation processes.
Kolofon: Denne side er en del af AAU Studenterprojekter — Aalborg Universitets studenterprojektportal. Her kan du finde og downloade offentligt tilgængelige kandidatspecialer og masterprojekter fra hele universitetet fra 2008 og frem. Studenterprojekter fra før 2008 kan findes i trykt form på Aalborg Universitetsbibliotek.
Har du spørgsmål til AAU Studenterprojekter eller Aalborg Universitets forskningsregistrering, formidling og analyse, er du altid velkommen til at kontakte VBN-teamet. Du kan også læse mere i AAU Studenterprojekter FAQ.