Suchergebnisse

Introduction. This paper explores some of the recent transformations in social work in Italy, against the backdrop of the economic crisis and the processes of rationalization. Specifically, the aim is to understand the relationship between managerialism and professional autonomy in social work. Methodology. The article presents a qualitative study conducted in Northern Italy through 40 interviews with practitioners and managers from two different services. A comparative analysis of the representations of labor practices was performed. Results. Managerialism has direct consequences on social workers' professional practices. Efforts to achieve efficiency have led to the standardization of work and curtailed professional autonomy. Bureaucratic tasks have encroached on working time, leaving less time for professional relations. Discussion and conclusions. The rise of managerialism can deplete the ethical content of social work practice. However, empirical data show that there is no confrontation between managers and practitioners, and that there are no signs of collective strategies of resistance to the risk of de-professionalization.

Introduction. This paper explores some of the recent transformations in social work in Italy, against the backdrop of the economic crisis and the processes of rationalization. Specifically, the aim is to understand the relationship between managerialism and professional autonomy in social work. Methodology. The article presents a qualitative study conducted in Northern Italy through 40 interviews with practitioners and managers from two different services. A comparative analysis of the representations of labor practices was performed. Results. Managerialism has direct consequences on social workers' professional practices. Efforts to achieve efficiency have led to the standardization of work and curtailed professional autonomy. Bureaucratic tasks have encroached on working time, leaving less time for professional relations. Discussion and conclusions. The rise of managerialism can deplete the ethical content of social work practice. However, empirical data show that there is no confrontation between managers and practitioners, and that there are no signs of collective strategies of resistance to the risk of de-professionalization.

Facendo riferimento sia agli studi internazionali e italiani, sia ai risultati di una ricerca qualitativa che ha coinvolto servizi socio-assistenziali dell'area piemontese, questo contributo tratta il tema relativo agli effetti critici delle trasformazioni dei sistemi di welfare sulla professione del servizio sociale. Tra i rischi di deprofessionalizzazione esplorati, emerge l'opacità della valenza politica del ruolo: l'assistente sociale sembra incapsulato nella gestione dei casi individuali ed estraniato dai processi programmatori; la sfida per la comunità del servizio sociale sembra essere quella di rivitalizzare la natura emancipatoria e promozionale del mandato professionale.