O serviço social no processo das políticas de bem-estar

: a prática profissional de influência da política social

Abstract

This study aims to deepen the knowledge about the relationship between Social Work and Social Policy. More specifically, we tried to ascertain if the Portuguese social workers incorporate policy practice in their daily professional work, by developing activities focused on bringing some influence onto social policies. Our goal was to bring some light to the level of involvement of social workers in this type of practice, and which factors may enhance or constraint such kind of practice. The reinforcement of the professional practice directed at the social policy arena has a double-edged dimension: the first is the reinforcement of the social role of Social Work, through the recovery of the core professional values that lie at the emergency and institutionalization of the Social Work profession, and which differentiate it from any other profession; the second is the recommitment of social policies to the furthering of social wellbeing and justice. This study used a quantitative and extensive approach, based on 265 valid answers to an online survey, which led to the conclusion that the social workers that answered the survey show a low level of engagement in policy practice activities, especially in activities which imply a greater public exposure, such as using the media or contacting policy makers or public officers to share an opinion, make a proposition or report a problem. In light of this study’s findings, we point out some leads to further research in this area, and develop strategies for the reinforcement of social workers activity in the social policy field. We highlight the role that academia can play in broadening policy practice, through teaching, research and expertise.

Date of Award	26 Jun 2018
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Francisco Branco (Supervisor)