Social Work & Society

Participatory Research and Project Work with Individuals with Low Literacy: A Critical and Reflective Review of Ableism in Health System and Research During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Merle Heyrock, Ayça Polat, Britta Thege — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The article explores the experiences derived from a participatory research project designed to create a health app for individuals identified as having 'low literacy' with the aim of enhancing their health literacy skills. It concentrates on the methodological challenges encountered in implementing participation and involvement during the app's development process, alongside a critical examination of the limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other constraints. It also highlights the solutions that have emerged through adjustments and close cooperation with the target groups. The aim is to show perspectives for social work in the context of promoting health literacy.

Child Labour Governance and Institutional Fragmentation: Evidence from a Cross-Border Urban Context in Argentina.

María Gabriela Miño — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This article presents a qualitative case study on the prevention of child labour in Posadas, Argentina, focusing on structural living conditions and governmental child protection resources. Data were collected through 67 semi-structured interviews with professionals from governmental and non-governmental organizations, field observations, and visits to child protection institutions conducted between 2021 and 2022. The study describes a typology of child labour observed during this period and evaluates three support resources: the day home, non-residential temporary shelters, and the municipal urban patrol program. Drawing on extended case method and grounded in a social work and public management perspective, the findings reveal persistent child labour trajectories and underscore the necessity of a unified, multi-stakeholder child protection system. The article adopts an explicit abolitionist position, arguing that institutional fragmentation between labour and social development sectors constitutes the central difficulty to effective prevention. These insights contribute to broader debates on abolitionism versus regulation, offering practical implications for policy development and social intervention in Argentina.

From back-to-face to face-to-face? : Video visits slowing down the pace in homecare

Gabriella Scaramuzzino — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

There is a belief that the pace of society is accelerating due to digital technologies, but there is also concern that these technologies will replace care staff and negatively impact the quality of care for older people. In 2023, a Swedish municipality began offering video visits to homecare users, yet little is known about the implications of this digital technology on the perception of time. This article explores the temporal effects of video visits in homecare, based on a qualitative study of 33 interviews with a digital homecare team and care users. The findings show that although video visits were generally shorter than home visits, both the digital homecare team and care users felt that video visits slowed down the pace of conversations, as the digital homecare team could focus entirely on the care users. During home visits, care staff had to perform practical tasks while conversing, leading to 'back-to-face' communication.

Diversity and discrimination at universities - an exemplary examination of practices of othering and discrimination for the design of anti-discriminatory educational and work processes at universities

Abigail M. Joseph-Magwood, Ayça Polat — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Based on relevant findings from national and international research, the article deals with the relevance of discrimination and critical diversity strategies at universities. Relevant results from two studies are presented: a study at Kiel University of Applied Sciences from the winter semester 2020/2021, which examined discrimination and the representation of social diversity in the university context within the student body (cf. Polat/Thege 2023)[1], and a study at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences (cf. Polat/Joseph-Magwood 2024) from the summer semester 2023, which also examined the representation of social diversity in the university context and students' experiences of discrimination. In addition, the results of the survey of employees at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences will be presented. The surveys were conducted as part of an anonymized quantitative online survey and supplemented with several qualitative problem-centred interviews.

Following on from the research results and the ensuing analysis, relevant action requirements for the design of anti-discriminatory educational and work processes at universities are discussed.

[1] The report is available upon request from the diversity officer (URL: https://www.haw-kiel.de/wir/organisation/verwaltung/beauftragte/diversitaet/).

Knowledge Levels and Attribution Beliefs about Domestic Violence in Master Level Social Work Students

Vani Naik — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Domestic violence is a pervasive issue across societies and significantly affects the lives of victims in India. It cuts across demographic, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic boundaries and has reached alarming proportions. Given its prevalence, it is essential for graduating social workers to possess basic knowledge and skills to identify, intervene and refer individuals experiencing domestic violence. Professionals working in this field require specialised competencies to effectively support victims and their families.

This study explores social work student’s knowledge levels, understanding and blame attribution beliefs towards domestic violence against women. The sample consisted of 60 Master of Social Work students from four colleges in Karnataka. A quantitative exploratory design was employed and data were collected using self-constructed questionnaire and a domestic violence blame attribution scale.

The findings indicate that participants possess a medium level of knowledge and a fair understanding of domestic violence. However, a majority of participants tended to attribute blame to victims, while attributing the least responsibility to perpetrators. These findings highlight the need for enhanced training and sensitization of social work students on domestic violence.

Intuition and role of social workers for development in underprivileged communities: A qualitative inquiry

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study revealed that social workers of Bangladesh play a significant role in the development of underprivileged communities, particularly in remote contexts. To illustrate this relevance, a study was conducted to highlight intuitions and challenges these social workers face, especially those employed in NGOs. For achieving this objective, an exploratory study involving 12 social workers was carried out. The findings revealed that social workers with many years of experience justify their commitment through a strong professional identity, which appears to be diminishing among new social workers, who show weaker interpersonal engagement skills. New social workers tend to lag behind in their dedication to disadvantaged groups due to factors such as younger age, limited experience, job insecurity & lack of ownership, technology-driven alternative career opportunities, bureaucratization of services, and insufficient organizational support. It was found that despite facing various challenges, qualified social workers successfully engage community stakeholders through their positive attitude, sincerity, and strong sense of ownership toward their profession. Lessons learning from this study will be useful and thought-provoking for social workers and other key actors who contribute in this field globally.

Integrating Critical Mathematics Pedagogy into Social Work Education: A Democratic Perspective

Ercan Küçükoba — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This paper discusses the integration of Critical Mathematics Pedagogy into social work education to enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and democratic engagement in the fight against systemic social injustices. Rooted in Paulo Freire's ideas of critical pedagogy, CMP challenges traditional approaches to education by encouraging critical consciousness and socio-political engagement. The methods included a combination of grounded theory, qualitative interviews, and quantitative surveys, drawing on data from students in social work and 14-year-old children from all walks of life. Thematic analysis and structural equation modelling were used in the study to investigate the extent to which CMP influences students' critical thinking, social awareness, and problem-solving regarding social work. Results and findings reveal significant improvements in students’ critical thinking and analytical abilities after CMP exposure, alongside heightened awareness of systemic social inequalities and democratic problem-solving skills. CMP emerged as a means to challenge preconceptions and promote inclusiveness. The study emphasizes integrating CMP into social work curricula and provides actionable recommendations for educators and policymakers, such as curriculum redesign and professional development. By intertwining mathematics, critical consciousness, and social justice, CMP demonstrates transformative potential in equipping future social workers to address contemporary societal challenges effectively

Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Competency-Based Social Work Education: Challenges, Opportunities, and Policy Implications from Vietnam

Luong Manh Ha — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping higher education and redefining professional training across disciplines, including social work. In this context, competency-based education (CBE) has emerged as a key approach to aligning graduate skills with evolving labor market demands. However, the integration of AI into social work education remains underexplored, particularly in developing countries. This study investigates how AI is being incorporated into competency-based social work training in Vietnamese universities, with a focus on identifying current practices, challenges, and opportunities. Adopting a mixed-methods design, the study draws on survey data from 250 students, 30 lecturers, and 10 employers, complemented by qualitative interviews. The findings indicate that while AI tools are increasingly used to support teaching and learning, their application remains fragmented and constrained by limited infrastructure, insufficient digital competencies, and concerns over ethical implications. At the same time, participants recognized the potential of AI to enhance practical skill development, personalized learning, and professional readiness. The study contributes to the growing literature on AI in professional education by providing empirical evidence from a Global South context. It further proposes policy and pedagogical implications for integrating AI into competency-based social work curricula, emphasizing the need for context-sensitive and ethically grounded approaches.

Enhancing Social Work Fieldwork: Insights from the Women’s University in Africa

Bhekinkosi Thumani Nyathi — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the nature and effectiveness of social work fieldwork supervision at a Zimbabwean university. There is limited research on fieldwork supervision in developing countries, particularly Zimbabwe. A mixed methods approach was employed to explore students’ experiences of supervision during field placement. The study population consisted of final-year social work students at the Women’s University in Africa who had completed their fieldwork practice. Institutional and participants’ consent was obtained, and all ethical requirements—including confidentiality and anonymity—were observed. Forty respondents for both qualitative and quantitative samples were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire containing both closed- and open-ended items. Quantitative data were analysed statistically using Microsoft Excel and qualitative responses were analysed through narrative content analysis. Findings showed that 90% (n=36) of student social workers reported receiving effective fieldwork supervision, citing strong guidance and support from supervisors that enhanced their skills and knowledge. However, a handful of students faced challenges during fieldwork supervision, such as unhealthy supervisor relationships, supervision by non-social workers and inexperienced social workers, and inadequate supervision. This paper will assist institutions, students, researchers, fieldwork supervisors, welfare agencies and social workers to design and implement a policy about fieldwork supervision. This paper recommends capacity strengthening of fieldwork supervisors and collaboration among key stakeholders to improve fieldwork supervision.

Therapeutic heterotopias in social work - Discipline and deliverance of mothers in the context of child protection

Andreas Møller Jørgensen, Mie Engen, Maria Appel Nissen — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the role of family therapy in child protection, focusing on how it disciplines and delivers mothers by representing and contesting ideas about motherhood. Using Foucault's concept of heterotopia, the research examines therapy sessions with mothers involved in child protection services. Based on ethnographic fieldwork, interviews and observations, a detailed and rich case of group therapy is presented that forms the empirical foundation for the analysis. Results indicate that therapy creates a dual space of discipline and deliverance, where mothers confront and reframe their mental narratives. The main conclusion is that while therapy offers relief and new identities, it also imposes normative expectations of motherhood, highlighting the tension between individual mental work and broader social structures and underscoring the complex interplay between therapeutic interventions and societal norms. A therapeutic gaze risks blurring the capacity to understand, recognise and act on the structural and social causes of social problems.

Empowering Vulnerable Populations: Protection, Support, and Adaptation

Olena Karaman, Gulmira Sultanbayeva — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This editorial introduces a themed issue of the journal "Social Work and Society", which brings together ten original research studies focusing on vulnerable populations in various national contexts - Ukraine, Bulgaria, Albania, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, India, and the Philippines. The studies view vulnerability not as a fixed state, but as the result of the intersection of individual, social, institutional, and historical factors. The issue is structured around four thematic clusters: support infrastructure, family and recovery, the social dimension, and the representation of difference. Spanning micro- and macro-levels of analysis, the studies raise questions regarding the preparedness of social workers, psychosocial interventions for children in war zones, inclusive education, collective societal resilience, public health, and gender inequality. A recurring theme is the gap between formal commitments and operational reality, as well as the importance of approaches that recognize people as subjects rather than objects of assistance.

Identifying Key Challenges and Professional Development Needs in Social Work and Counselling under Conditions of Social Instability

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The aim of this study was to analyse critical challenges and gaps in professional preparedness among social workers, and to propose evidence-based directions for enhancing counselling practices and supervision mechanisms. The methodology of the research included surveys, a comparative analysis, and the method of social modelling using four typical counselling scenarios. The study revealed several significant findings: 50% of respondents rated their preparedness for client work as no higher than 3 out of 5, 40% had undergone additional training after completing higher education, and 75% reported lacking a permanent supervisor. While these figures highlight current professional gaps, the study’s original contribution lies in identifying the structural and procedural factors underlying insufficient preparedness and support, and in demonstrating how targeted supervision and digital training interventions can enhance methodological competence. These findings can inform the planning of educational programs, the development of counselling standards, the implementation of structured supervision, and the adaptation of methods to meet the specific needs of vulnerable social groups in contexts of social instability, thus advancing theoretical understanding of the interplay between professional preparedness, organizational support, and effective counselling outcomes.

School-based social work interventions for students with behavioural challenges and academic performance issues

Erjona Molla — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of comprehensive school-based social interventions in improving pupils’ behaviour, social adaptation, and academic performance. The methodology included a case study of international documents and an empirical study involving 68 pupils, conducted between October 2023 and May 2024 at Ismail Qemali Secondary School in Tirana. Participants received individual counselling, group training, mentoring, and supplementary lessons to assess changes in socio-behavioural and academic indicators. Individual counselling reduced emotional difficulties and aggressive behaviour by 2.4-2.5 points, according to the study. Group social skills training improved communication and cooperation by 5.8-6.0 points. Supplementary academic lessons increased pupils’ average grades by 1.7-1.8 points. Statistical p-value indicators, ranging from 0.0004 to 0.0023 for emotional state and from 0.0005 to 0.0016 for social skills, confirmed the reliability of all recorded changes in pupils’ behavioural and social indicators.

The Ukrainian Experience of Implementing the “Children and War. Teaching Recovery Techniques” Programme During the Russo-Ukrainian War

Iryna Sukhova — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The aim of this article was to present information on the implementation of the “Children and War. Teaching Recovery Techniques” programme in Ukraine under wartime conditions. The research demonstrated that the programme functioned effectively both during the period of relative stabilisation following the initial traumatic event (2014-2021), and during the active phase of the war (from 2022). The analysis of feedback and statistical indicators also confirmed the positive psycho-emotional impact of the programme on children. As a result of the research, it was established that the programme combined local experience with national coordination and international implementation, enabling the provision of assistance in offline, online, and blended formats, which allowed for reaching children in the challenging conditions of war and mass migration. The obtained results can be used by psychologists, educators, and social workers to organise effective psychosocial support for children and families in zones of armed conflict.

Inclusion, health and family: An interdisciplinary approach to supporting children with developmental disabilities

Christina Plotnikova, Alina Aleskerova, Gulkaiyr Ermamatova, Akchach Zholdosheva — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined regulatory and institutional barriers to inclusive education and rehabilitation services for children with special educational needs in the Kyrgyz Republic. By triangulating regulatory content analysis, comparative institutional reviews, and Family Environment Scale data, the research identified critical gaps in service delivery. Findings indicate that significant regional disparities exist, with private metropolitan facilities outperforming rural public centers in resource availability. Specifically, 42% of parents reported difficulties due to specialist shortages, while 29% cited financial constraints and lack of adapted infrastructure as primary obstacles. Conversely, an individualised approach (47%) and family support (33%) emerged as key resources for successful adaptation. The results suggest that achieving equitable access requires updated policies fostering inter-agency cooperation, the expansion of human resources, and improved infrastructure to mitigate current legislative and operational fragmentation.

Social development of adolescents in contemporary society

Elzada Sabyrova, Bermet Alymbaeva, Gulaim Djumabaeva, Busara Beishenbaeva — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study is devoted to the analysis of the features, challenges, and prospects of adolescents’ social development in modern society. The study aims to identify the key factors and mechanisms of the socialisation of the younger generation and to assess the role of the main educational institutions. The methodology comprises a theoretical analysis of scientific literature, the systematisation and generalisation of existing approaches, as well as an empirical study in the form of a questionnaire administered to 30 adolescents in Bishkek. As a result, the dominant value orientations of adolescents were identified, with family, friendship, and material well-being prevailing, while prosocial values were found to hold relatively low significance. The research revealed a predominance of passive leisure activities associated with the use of gadgets and social networks. Instances of a lack of trust in parent-child relationships were recorded among some adolescents, alongside dissatisfaction with the nature of school-based educational activities and a low level of engagement in social initiatives. Empirical findings confirmed that 60% of adolescents perceive school events as formal and not aligned with their interests, while 77% consider the ability to understand and provide support as the most important quality in a teacher. Recommendations for optimising the social development of adolescents at the level of the family, school, and state youth policy were formulated. These include the implementation of interactive educational methods (such as discussions, role-playing games, and project-based learning), the development of student self-governance, the provision of psychological and pedagogical support for families, and the expansion of volunteering opportunities. The practical significance of the study lies in the development of a comprehensive approach to supporting adolescents’ social development through coordinated educational influences from key social institutions, the modernisation of educational content and methods, and the strengthening of adolescents’ agency in forming a prosocial system of values and behavioural models.

Psychological aspects of sustainable development of society

Olena Dovgal, Tetiana Borko, Oleksandr Bilichenko, Nataliia Miroshkina — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The aim was to identify psychological factors that supported the resilience of Ukrainian society under martial law, as well as to reveal the potential of sustainable development as an adaptive resource. The methodology included a sociopsychological survey, a content analysis of the Ukrainian media space and a comparative analysis of sustainable development practices in Poland, Germany, and Sweden. The main results were that 60% of respondents rated the psychological resilience at 4-5 points, 75% considered participation in social initiatives important or very important, and 80% agreed with the relevance of sustainable development in wartime. 62% of respondents changed the attitude towards environmental issues, and 66% recognised the feasibility of integrating European resilience support practices into the Ukrainian context. The most prioritised aspect of sustainable development was identified as social (45%). Content analysis confirmed the dominance of psychological support topics (in 22 materials) and civic mobilisation (in 28), with a clear presence of grassroots initiatives and effective communication between government and the public. The results obtained testified to the high mobilisation readiness of society, the presence of internal adaptation reserves, the growth of civic responsibility and the strengthening of environmental awareness. Sustainable development, even in wartime, was perceived not only as a theoretical model but also as a practical tool of survival and recovery. The study consisted in forming a basis for adapting European models of sustainable development to the Ukrainian context. It was proposed to implement digital psychological support services (as in Sweden), municipal volunteering programmes (as in Poland), and integrative educational initiatives (from the German experience). The findings may inform the development of state and local post-war reconstruction strategies, social cohesion programmes, and information policy.

Early HPV Vaccination as a Public Health Strategy to Promote Social Well-Being and Reduce Long-Term Health Issues

Myuzhgyan Sabri — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Low coverage of vaccination against the human papillomavirus in Bulgaria poses a significant threat to the effective prevention of cervical cancer among the country’s female population. This study aimed to examine mothers’ perceptions of vaccination as a preventive measure against cervical oncological diseases and to identify the factors influencing their decisions regarding the immunisation of their daughters. The research was conducted as a cross-sectional sociological survey using a structured questionnaire among 264 mothers of primary school pupils in Varna between March and October 2024. Findings revealed that only 52% of respondents correctly understood the concept of primary prevention, while 61% recognised the necessity of vaccination before the onset of sexual activity. A willingness to vaccinate their daughters was expressed by 57% of participants, whereas 34% were firmly opposed to immunisation. Opinions regarding the safety of vaccines were almost evenly divided: 48% considered them safe, while 43% regarded them as unsafe. The main barriers to vaccination were fear of side effects (39%) and fear of pain (36%), while financial constraints accounted for only 11% of the reasons for refusal. The results indicated that psycho-emotional barriers outweighed economic and informational factors in shaping decisions about vaccination. The findings may inform public health communication strategies, clinical counselling practices, and school-based educational interventions aimed at increasing early human papillomavirus vaccination uptake. The multilevel recommendations developed on the basis of the obtained data propose a differentiated approach to various segments of the parent audience, with emphasis on overcoming fears through empathetic counselling and validation of parental concerns. Such measures may contribute to increasing the coverage of human papillomavirus vaccination in Bulgaria.

Religion and Gender in Repatriate Families: A Comparative Analysis of the Adaptation of Traditional Roles in Asian Countries

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The study examines how religious prescriptions, family law, and economic constraints shape the redistribution of gender roles in repatriate families under reverse mobility. It identifies mechanisms for adapting traditional roles at the household level and factors behind cross-country variation. Using a comparative design with institutional analysis, content analysis of normative acts, and administrative statistics, the research highlights four cases. Kazakhstan shows early codification of repatriation and legacies of traumatic 20th-century migrations; Kyrgyzstan is marked by cyclical labour mobility and the special status of ethnic migrants; India has a multi-level diaspora infrastructure and stable external employment regulation; the Philippines demonstrates institutionalised foreign employment and organised channels of departure and return. Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan display idealised traditionalism alongside expanding women’s economic autonomy. India reconciles egalitarian attitudes acquired abroad with extended-family hierarchy. The Philippines sees economic role inversion but formal male leadership. These changes are context-dependent and combine continuity with specific redistributions of authority.

Contemporary Challenges and Critical Issues of Equality and Justice in Society

Min-Soo Kang, Jetmira Fekolli, Jun-Ki Chung, Tanya Vazova, Nargis Alimatova — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this study is to identify innovative approaches and strategies for addressing issues related to justice in South Korea, Sweden, and Albania. The paper examined innovative solutions to these problems and explored the influence of political, socio-economic, and cultural factors on the implementation of the principles of equality and justice. The methodology of the study involved surveys and a comparative analysis of various social groups in the three countries – South Korea, Sweden, and Albania. The key findings reveal those existing disparities in access to resources, opportunities, and rights lead to social tensions and inequality. The development of educational and awareness-raising initiatives aimed at promoting understanding of equality and justice issues has a considerable impact on fostering a more inclusive society. The proposed approaches will contribute to resolving the most pressing social issues faced by vulnerable groups and ensuring their equal access to rights, opportunities, and resources in the long term.

Discourse on Gender Aspects in Digital Media and Their Influence on Public Consciousness

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the gender-related aspects in digital media and their influence on public consciousness. The primary objective was to assess how gender roles are portrayed in digital media, including the prevalence of stereotypes and the impact of commercial interests on content creation. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining quantitative content analysis of 50 media items (spanning digital platforms and traditional outlets from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan) and qualitative expert interviews with 10 media analysts and journalists. Additionally, a SWOT analysis was conducted to evaluate gender representation in digital media. The results revealed a persistent prevalence of traditional gender stereotypes in digital content, especially regarding women’s roles, where over 60% of the analyzed content depicted women in conventional roles centered around appearance or motherhood. Despite an increase in female representation in digital platforms such as blogs and social media, these efforts have not substantially reduced the dominance of stereotypical portrayals. Furthermore, the research found that social initiatives promoting gender equality are gaining visibility but remain largely dependent on platform type and user engagement. The study emphasizes that while digital media hold the potential to transform public perceptions and reduce stereotypes, commercial interests and insufficient gender-sensitive content remain significant challenges. The practical significance of this research lies in providing actionable recommendations for media organizations to enhance the representation of women, emphasizing the adoption of gender-sensitive standards in content creation and advertising, which could help challenge persistent stereotypes and foster a more inclusive media landscape.