Socialno delo, letnik 49 (2010), št. 4
ARTICLES
Effects of family environment on poverty and social exclusion of children - 201, (Abstract)
USER-ADJUSTED COMMUNICATION
ARTICLE
ABSTRACTS
Abstracts
Tamara Pikl
Effects of family environment on poverty and social exclusion of children
Poverty means violation of human rights. In the case of children, it is an even deeper problem as it affects their future, having long-term consequences not only for individuals but also for the society in general. The analysis of internationally comparable indicators of social exclusion (Laekens indicators) shows that the level of poverty risk is highest in single parent families, in families with both unemployed parents, and in families where both parents have a lower education level. The social exclusion of children is reflected as material deprivation (holidays, owning a computer, food, living conditions, etc.) and as poorer education of children, because children whose parents are poor often have worse learning results and consequently reach a lower level of education. In Slovenia, there is relatively low children’s poverty risk level but nonetheless numerous improvements in some areas are necessary as children’s rights are far from being fully implemented.
Keywords: family, material deprivation, education
Tamara Pikl graduated at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana. She co-wrote »Social Perpectives« Report at the Republic of Slovenia's Institute of macroeconomic analysis and developement. Contact: tamara_pikl@yahoo.com, tel.: +386 040/857740.
Tamara Rape Žiberna
Job satisfaction in a public institution
Some of the basic concepts relating to job satisfaction are discussed, such as planning work, motivational theories, burnout, personnel management, human resources management and social work in working environment. A case study of a public institution in Slovenia was carried out in 2006. The institution is one of 62 similar institutions in which mostly social workers are employed. Social workers in this institution are least satisfied with their salary, volume of their work, working conditions and reputation of their work. On the other hand, they are very satisfied with the relations among co-workers and with freedom at work. Job satisfaction in the analyzed institution was (compared with similar institutions) relatively low. Special aspects of dissatisfaction are discussed and some suggestions are proposed.
Keywords: job satisfaction, public institution, social work in working environment, burnout
Tamara Rape Žiberna, has a BA in social work and is a postgraduate student of management of nonprofit organizations at the University of Ljubljana and an assistant lecturer at the Faculty of Social Work, University of Ljubljana. Contact: tamara.rape@fsd.uni-lj.si, tel.: +386 13006237.
Jana Mali, Lidija Ovčar
Lessons from life stories of older rural population
As the rate of older population in developed countries is increasing, more attention is paid to phenomena of old age and ageing. However, not enough attention is paid to older rural population although it is particularly vulnerable, pensions being low and social care services in rural areas underdeveloped. In interviews, individuals from older rural population openly admit that they feel poor and that they have to be very careful with their money. Those living in homes for older people cannot afford to pay care in their institution, therefore relatives or municipality need to help them. Relatives provide important social support, not only for those still living in domestic environment, but also for those living in an institution. All respondents think neighbourhood relations are crucial. They are familiar with nursing care in community, with homes for older people and with home help care, but they feel they are too expensive.
Keywords: older people, rural population, care services, risks, social networks
Jana Mali is a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Social Work, University of Ljubljana. Her areas of research and teaching include social work with older people, supervision and social work. Contact: jana.mali@fsd.uni-lj.si, tel.: +3861 3006232. Lidija Ovčar is a graduate social worker, employed as a social worker in Children’s Psychiatric Department of Health Care Centre in Maribor. Contact: lidija.ovcar@gmail.com.
Gabi Čačinovič Vogrinčič
The language of collaborative social work
The central question of the article is: why are the development and use of social work language as a language of science and profession of social work important. In social work, a new, autonomous language is emerging, a language that translates well all the steps taken in the processes of help, envisaged as a co-creation based on ethics of participation and strenght perspective. Peter Lüssi’s systematic theory of social work is presented as the first important theory of doing and is related to contemporary, postmodern concepts of social work in a work relationship, bringing together appreciative and responsible allies (social workers) and experts on experience. The main thesis of the article can be summed up as: in science and profession of social work we need respectful steps and a disciplined use of social work language in theory and practice, at all times, without exceptions. The arguments in favour of the thesis are: social work language verbally expresses the way we do things; it brings forth changes; it is an appreciative language of co-creators in the process of help, taking into consideration strenght perspective; and it plays an important role in co-creation of joint projects with other professions.
Keywords: systemic social work, co-creating help, work relationship, ethics of participation, strength perspective
Gabi Čačinovič Vogrinčič, PhD, is an associate professor at the Faculty of Social Work, University of Ljubljana, a highly influential social work thinker and a seminal author. Her books Family Psychology (1998) and Social Work With Family (2006) helped to establish family phychology as a new psychological discipline. Contact: gabi.cacinovic@fsd.uni-lj.si, tel.: +3861 2809253.