Socialno delo on-line archive

Socialno delo, Vol. 44 (2005), Part 6


ARTICLES

Blaž Mesec
Research Methodology with Statistics in the Curriculum of Social Work - A View of Development - 367, (Abstract)
Zlata Ličer
Social Aspects of the Reproductive Health Care of Women - 377, (Abstract)
Barbara Kobal, Suzana Oreški
Employment of People with Difficulties in Mental Health - 387, (Abstract)
Žarko Tepavčević
Towards Gender Equality - 395, (Abstract)




Abstracts

 
Blaž Mesec
Research Methodology with Statistics in the Curriculum of Social Work - A View of Development

On the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the school of social work in Ljubljana and in view of the generational change of teachers the author reviews the development of teaching research methodology in social work as one of the key subjects constituting social work as a science. Methodology formally became a subject at the school in the academic year 1971/72 under the title Research in Social Work, which substituted the former subject Statistics. With the establishment of the 4-year professional programme of social work in 1994/95, which evolved into Faculty of social work in 2002/03, the subject continued to be taught under the title Methodology of Research in Social Work with Statistics I and II, to which Research Seminar was added. Methodology, which includes quantitative and qualitative procedures, is also part of the curriculum of the M.A. programme of Sociology - Community Social Work since its establishment. The development of its syllabus is described, together with the programme of research exercises and other research work of students. Methodological knowledge is stressed as the instrument of practice teaching as well as of critical scientific reflection. Finally, guidelines for the future development of the subject are given.

Keywords: research, history, curriculum, practicum

Dr. Blaž Mesec is associate professor at University of Ljubljana Faculty of Social Work.


 
Zlata Ličer
Social Aspects of the Reproductive Health Care of Women

The protection of reproductive health of women, especially in the period of pregnancy, and the implementation of reproductive rights and of the right to choice about giving birth depend on the social impact upon family planning, i.e., on social climate, on the attitude of health workers towards relevant services, and on their understanding of the problems in this field. The social dimensions of reproductive health care are evident in the effectuation of fundamental human rights throughout life (free choice about giving birth, protection from sexually transmitted and cancerous diseases, and protection in the menopausal period). The empirical part contains the analysis of ten interviews with women at higher risk in reproductive care, who had material problems for a substantial period of time but did not seek professional help. The interviews were conducted during their pregnancies and after childbirth at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, as part of psychosocial interventions. The findings of a qualitative analysis are followed by comparisons with theory and methodological reflection.

Keywords: family planning, birth control, contraception, quality of life, interview, social isolation.

Zlata Ličer is a social worker at the University Medical Centre of Ljubljana, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.


 
Barbara Kobal, Suzana Oreški
Employment of People with Difficulties in Mental Health

On the basis of the research of social and economic exclusion of vulnerable groups, commissioned by the Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Affairs in 2003, the position of people with difficulties in mental health may be described as problematic. Using the results of that research, this paper discusses the problem of the employability of people with difficulties in mental health from the point of view of these people themselves, and from that of professionals and volunteers who work on enhancing employment and employability (workers and associates of centres of social work, counsellors of employment offices, representatives of some NGOs). In addition, the programme of the inclusion of people with difficulties in mental health into labour market, which is carried our by the association Altra, is presented as an example of good practice.

Keywords: employability, employment programmes, inclusion.

Barbara Kobal, M.A., is senior researcher at the Republic of Slovenia Institute of Social Protection. Social worker Suzana Oreški is employed in the association Altra - Committee for Innovations in Mental Health, and a doctoral student at University of Ljubljana Faculty of Social Sciences.


 
Žarko Tepavčević
Towards Gender Equality

Democratic changes in modern society and family are slowly but irrepressibly becoming reality. However, the discrimination of women is still present in all areas of social life. To remove all forms of this discrimination has become an important concern of international legislators. Social will alone, even though supported by legislation (international declarations, recommendations, conventions, etc.), does not produce the expected changes swiftly. Traditional androcentric norms, prejudices and stereotypes are still found frequently. They are manifest in communications, in inequalities based on gender, and in the division of roles between spouses or partners, in the family and in society. More substantial changes take time and organised efforts in all social areas. Men slowly realise that they, too, need equal participation of women in business and in social and family life. Gender equality starts in the family and transfers to the society, and vice versa.

Keywords: discrimination of women, equal opportunities, international legislation.

Social worker Žarko Tepavčević, M.A., is senior family counsellor at the centre of social work Ljubljana - Šiška.