Social work with marginalized individuals, groups and families

In this course the students will study social problems related to marginalized groups. The focus is on unemployment, living conditions and poverty, drugs, health and crime. Social problems amongst immigrants and refugees are in focus. A central theme is the function of the family in a social and cultural perspective. Problems concerning minorities, violence in close relations, human trafficking, racism and conflicts related to this are also central in this course. We will look into the reasons and consequences of this. Economical, sociopolitical and juridical tools together with ways to prevent, treat and reduce social problems will be emphasized.

Knowledge
The student has knowledge about:
- Different methods in social work
- Living conditions, unemployment, wellbeing and poverty, and consequences of marginalization
- Welfare politics and the welfare system
- The welfare state in an European perspective
- Theories to promote integration and inclusion
- Perspectives on drug abuse, psychical and physical health problems
- Reasons for and consequences of drug abuse and its treatments
- The juridical aspects concerning the areas mentioned above

Skills
The student can:
- Use and reflect upon different models in social work
- Use social work skills and reflect upon them
- Reflect upon how welfare politics and the way the services are organized affect the development of services and tools
- Recognize and discuss juridical problems within the different areas regarding welfare
- Reflect upon theoretical perspectives regarding humans in difficult life situations on micro-, meso- and macro level
- Discuss challenges regarding serious behavior problems and criminality among children, youths and adults
- Reflect upon ethical dilemmas in social work practice


General competence
The student:
- Can use social work skills in challenging situations
- Have insight into social work with marginalized individuals, groups and families
- Can discuss political, economic and juridical aspects in the areas of fighting crime, health and drug abuse
- Can reflect upon ethical aspects regarding services and measures

Lectures, group assignments, seminars, practical skills training, colloquial groups, individual studies and cross-program seminars.