Social Workers’ Attitudes Toward Social Work With Risk Families in Connection With Gender Equality Issues
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Abstract
The article is based on research which aims to find out the attitudes of social workers toward gender equality. Research questions are the following ones: what are social workers’ attitudes to gender equality in families and families at risk? What are the main obstacles in implementation of gender equality in families at risk? What are possibilities for implementation of gender equality in families at risk?
In order to answer the research questions and to meet the research goal, qualitative research was done. Eight social workers, who work with families at risk, were interviewed using a semi-structured interview. Content analysis was used to analyse research data.
Gender equality is understood as a division of duties and responsibilities according to person’s needs, abilities and interests, not causing discomfort sense to another person. Gender equality issue in social work practice is important, because gender equality is one of the main prerequisites for general wellbeing of the family. A social worker could influence positive changes in families and society concerning gender issue threw prevention and intervention.
Research data shows that research participants see little relation between social work and gender equality issue. Gender equality is a hot question in most of the families and almost impossible in families at risk. The main obstacles are negative attitudes of clients, too big requirements to mother/wife, attitudes of other institutions (police, day care centres), discriminating and unjust social system, competences of social workers, lack of information about gender equality and lack of time for work with clients.
Research participants define various possibilities for ensuring gender equality in families: information provision and education of society, cooperation with other institutions, prevention and intervention to families and its member. However, research data shows that social workers do not see themselves as important agents in gender equality field. Possibilities for ensuring gender equality are discussed more on theoretical level than based on professional experience.
In order to answer the research questions and to meet the research goal, qualitative research was done. Eight social workers, who work with families at risk, were interviewed using a semi-structured interview. Content analysis was used to analyse research data.
Gender equality is understood as a division of duties and responsibilities according to person’s needs, abilities and interests, not causing discomfort sense to another person. Gender equality issue in social work practice is important, because gender equality is one of the main prerequisites for general wellbeing of the family. A social worker could influence positive changes in families and society concerning gender issue threw prevention and intervention.
Research data shows that research participants see little relation between social work and gender equality issue. Gender equality is a hot question in most of the families and almost impossible in families at risk. The main obstacles are negative attitudes of clients, too big requirements to mother/wife, attitudes of other institutions (police, day care centres), discriminating and unjust social system, competences of social workers, lack of information about gender equality and lack of time for work with clients.
Research participants define various possibilities for ensuring gender equality in families: information provision and education of society, cooperation with other institutions, prevention and intervention to families and its member. However, research data shows that social workers do not see themselves as important agents in gender equality field. Possibilities for ensuring gender equality are discussed more on theoretical level than based on professional experience.
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Articles
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