Social work interactions between service users and social workers: A case study of the welfare home Svenstrupgård
Author
Bushu, Laurentine Shiynyuy
Term
4. Semester
Publication year
2012
Submitted on
2012-06-30
Pages
69
Abstract
This qualitative study looks at everyday interactions between social workers and people using homelessness services at Svenstrupgård. It explores which topics are most often discussed, how both sides present themselves to each other, and how they reach agreement and solve problems together. Evidence comes from observing real-life meetings and from semi-structured interviews (guided but flexible conversations) with both social workers and service users. The material was examined using thematic analysis, which identifies recurring patterns and themes. The interpretation is informed by social constructivism (the idea that meanings are created through social interaction) and Foucault’s theory of power (how power operates in relationships and institutions). The study finds that certain topics recur: housing, house rules, money, work, and substance use/abuse. Effective and motivational communication is key to the interpersonal dynamics; the study highlights strategies and techniques used by social workers at Svenstrupgård. The findings also point to both opportunities and challenges in collaborative social work and describe methods that help motivate service users to take part in joint problem solving. Overall, the study offers a nuanced, practice-near picture of social work with homeless service users in the Danish context, with insights that are useful for everyday practice and for professional discussions at the micro level.
Dette kvalitative studie undersøger hverdagslige møder mellem socialrådgivere og brugere af hjemløsetilbud på Svenstrupgård. Formålet er at afdække, hvilke emner der oftest tages op, hvordan parterne præsenterer sig for hinanden, og hvordan de opnår enighed og fælles problemløsning. Data er indsamlet ved at iagttage møder mellem socialrådgivere og brugere samt ved semistrukturerede interviews (styrede, men åbne samtaler) med begge parter. Materialet er analyseret ved tematisk analyse, hvor man identificerer gennemgående mønstre og temaer. Fortolkningen bygger på socialkonstruktivisme (at betydninger skabes i sociale relationer) og Foucaults magtteori (hvordan magt virker i relationer og institutioner). Studiet finder, at bestemte emner går igen: bolig, husregler, økonomi, arbejde samt stofbrug/misbrug. Effektiv og motiverende kommunikation er central i samspillet; studiet fremhæver strategier og teknikker, som socialrådgivere på Svenstrupgård anvender. Resultaterne peger også på muligheder og udfordringer ved samarbejdende socialt arbejde og beskriver metoder, der kan motivere brugere til at deltage i fælles problemløsning. Samlet set giver studiet en nuanceret, praksisnær indsigt i socialt arbejde med hjemløse i en dansk kontekst, som kan bruges i hverdagspraksis og i faglige diskussioner på mikroniveau.
[This apstract has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]
Keywords