Abstract
Social workers play a key role in public organizations; social workers support
citizens through programme initiatives, by distributing cash benefits,
and by implementing social policies. A body of studies, however, points to
social workers experiencing a challenging work life and work environment. A
challenging working life may lead to work-related stress and high turnover.
This poses a problem, not only to the individual social worker but also to the
workplaces, the citizens that the social worker should help, and to society in
general. This review article draws on reports, empirical studies, and theories
to illuminate the social, organizational, and political conditions that characterize
social workers’ working lives. We aim to provide insights into the work
life of a key welfare profession and to stimulate further sociological research
on the topic of public administrations as workplaces that frame the work life
of many welfare professionals.
citizens through programme initiatives, by distributing cash benefits,
and by implementing social policies. A body of studies, however, points to
social workers experiencing a challenging work life and work environment. A
challenging working life may lead to work-related stress and high turnover.
This poses a problem, not only to the individual social worker but also to the
workplaces, the citizens that the social worker should help, and to society in
general. This review article draws on reports, empirical studies, and theories
to illuminate the social, organizational, and political conditions that characterize
social workers’ working lives. We aim to provide insights into the work
life of a key welfare profession and to stimulate further sociological research
on the topic of public administrations as workplaces that frame the work life
of many welfare professionals.
| Translated title of the contribution | Working lives under pressure? Social workers’ working conditions in public administrations |
|---|---|
| Original language | Danish |
| Journal | Dansk Sociologi |
| Volume | 35 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Pages (from-to) | 31-48 |
| Number of pages | 18 |
| ISSN | 0905-5908 |
| Publication status | Published - 4 Dec 2024 |
Keywords
- social work and social conditions
- management, organizational development and innovation
- education, professions and jobs