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Finnish social workers’ potential positions in structural disability social work in the future

Abstract

By combining theoretical approaches of positioning and relationality, this study analyses the positions Finnish social workers construct for themselves in relation to structural disability social work in the future. Research on this understudied topic is needed, as social workers who should act for the inclusion of persons with disabilities are currently struggling for their own status. The data consisted of focus group interviews with disability social workers (n = 18) and were analyzed by deploying a reflexive thematic analysis. Themes reflecting the social workers’ positions were developed through the presented characteristics of social workers and social work in general, as well as the other actors and circumstances affecting the positions. The findings identified four distinct but interconnected positions for disability social workers regarding structural social work: subordinated, enabled, connected, and empowered. The first of the positions represents an undesired future, while the other three reflect hoped-for futures. The study highlights that potential paths towards future positions for social workers are constructed in relation to the present structures, social relationships, and self-understanding of social work. The study calls for reflectivity about social workers’ relational positions, and education, practice, and research of structural social work focusing on disability-related issues.

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Posted in: Journal Article Abstracts on 05/22/2026 | Link to this post on IFP |
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