The Understanding and Use of Reflection in Family Support Social Work

• Previous research emphasizes the need for reflection in complex, dynamic practices, like social work.However, increased governance of the public sector and welfare state has caused a reform, which inturn has affected the layout and conditions of work. Private sector control ideals and ideas from theauditing system have led to a new focus. It is argued that we should subordinate practiceapproaches–characterized by reflection, proven experience, and tacit knowledge–to manual-based treatment, evaluations, and assessments. This study aims at understanding the role ofreflection in social work by investigating its use and valuation by family support social workers.Opportunities and resources for reflection are another focus. Focus group interviews (nD40) wereused to produce data. The need for reflection to conduct highly qualitative social work becameevident. The question is notwhetherto reflect or not, ratherhowthis best can be done, givencurrent time constraints. Reflection was considered a coping mechanism, offering a sense ofprofessional legitimacy. Organizational changes seem to impact on time for reflection. However,when enabling process, learning, and development, it can be argued that reflection is beneficial forseveral parties. Therefore, reflection requires continued emphasis, highlighting its potential benefits.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Sociologi -- Socialt arbete (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Sociology -- Social Work (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Social work

family support

Socialt arbete

Social work

Barn- och ungdomsvetenskap

Child and Youth studies

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)