Suchergebnisse

This article begins with an overview of the current context for the delivery of social/welfare services and goes on to consider client–worker relationship boundaries that fall within and outside conventional ethical parameters in professional practice. Alternative interpretations of "relationship" are discussed, noting in particular what consumers of services have identified as being beneficial qualities demonstrated by professional "helpers." Using touch and adopting notions of compassion, love, and reciprocity are discussed, noting how these ideas collide with the current ethical thinking commonly used to guide Western social work practice. Finally, a reexamination of "professionalism" is proposed, including ways to facilitate worker–client connectivity. Throughout, the complex tensions between balancing ethical considerations with ideas relating to trust, risk, and authenticity are articulated.

Die Durchführung qualitativer Forschung auf der Basis einer feministischen Forschungs-Methodologie erfordert ein hohes Maß ethischer Bindung von Forschenden – insbesondere hinsichtlich des notwendigen Zeitaufwands zum Aufbau und zur Aufrechterhaltung sozialer Netzwerke zwischen Forschenden und Beforschten. Der Beitrag wirft Fragen auf, ob es bei einer großen qualitativen Studie für Forschende möglich ist, diese Ideale auf jede/n Teilnehmende/n anzuwenden.

Based on a theme that emerged from a study conducted with 25 Indigenous stakeholders between 2009 and 2010, this article argues for the inadequacy of Western models of the practitioner–client relationship, and a need to consider rural and cultural characteristics of Indigenous social work in relationship building and maintaining. The findings suggest that historical and affective contexts, life contextualized scenarios and the collective interest which affect professional boundaries and the dyadic relationship are important in terms of addressing the relationship in a tribal community. The article ends by highlighting implications for Indigenous social work.