Overcoming Bureaucratization. Rethinking the Social Work Model in Dialogue with Roma

Abstract

Social Work was born to find and implement actions that succeed at alleviating or overcoming human suffering. Far from this objective, the scientific literature has highlighted that, during the pandemic, the serious situation of disadvantaged communities, including much of the Roma community, has underscored the historical evolution of the discipline towards bureaucratization. However, more research is needed to identify and analyze the actions through which many Social Work professionals have had the opportunity to rethink the current hegemonic model of social intervention. This study analyzes the main characteristics of some such actions. This research has been carried out following the communicative methodology through 40 semi-structured interviews to Social Work professionals in social services, educational centers and civic organizations. Results show that a constant dialogue with Roma communities, overcoming bureaucratization by changing intervention to co-create the best solutions, and a professional and human commitment at the service of people are common characteristics of those actions. These findings illustrate elements with which some Social Workers have been able to rethink the social intervention model they previously followed, allowing them to transform such model and regain the origins of the discipline towards finding the best solutions to improve the situations and lives of many Roma people.