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Boost, D., Blom, B. & Raeymaeckers, P. (2023). A detective, physicist, and historian walk into a bar: abduction, retroduction, and retrodiction in critical realist evaluations. In: Working with critical realism: stories of methodological encounters (pp. 14-28). Taylor & Francis Group
Open this publication in new window or tab >>A detective, physicist, and historian walk into a bar: abduction, retroduction, and retrodiction in critical realist evaluations
2023 (English)In: Working with critical realism: stories of methodological encounters, Taylor & Francis Group, 2023, p. 14-28Chapter in book (Refereed)
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Taylor & Francis Group, 2023
National Category
Social Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-203357 (URN)10.4324/9781003193784-2 (DOI)2-s2.0-85143570475 (Scopus ID)9781032045634 (ISBN)9781032045610 (ISBN)9781000804577 (ISBN)9781003193784 (ISBN)
Available from: 2023-01-18 Created: 2023-01-18 Last updated: 2023-12-28Bibliographically approved
Zimic, S. & Blom, B. (2023). Enabling learning in the use of Systematic follow-up in social services: an exploration of the role of technology. In: : . Paper presented at FORSA 2023 Conference – Social work in changing times- challenges and new opportunities. Bodø, Norway, June 14-16, 2023.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Enabling learning in the use of Systematic follow-up in social services: an exploration of the role of technology
2023 (English)Conference paper, Oral presentation only (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

Introduction: Systematic follow-up (SFU) is presented by central actors as an important tool in relation to the work with evidence-based practice and the national system for knowledge governance in Swedish social services. However, results from an empirical study with officials working with quality assurance in municipal social services showed that SFU can have different purposes and uses in organizations and that SFU is performed through heterogeneous digital technologies. In a few cases, SFU was recognized to be used for the purpose of learning and creating a common knowledge ground for social workers, managers, and politicians in the local welfare board. This paper explores the role of technology in enabling learning and the creation of common knowledge ground in the use of SFU. The exploration builds on previous research on boundary objects and technology-based coordination of knowledge in organizations.

Contributions: The contribution of this paper is a deeper understanding of key values that should be embedded in digital technologies to enable SFU to support learning and the creation of common knowledge ground within social services organizations.

Applications: The results can be used to support decisions on how to adapt digital technologies by emphasizing important requirements to support learning with SFU.

National Category
Social Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-212912 (URN)
Conference
FORSA 2023 Conference – Social work in changing times- challenges and new opportunities. Bodø, Norway, June 14-16, 2023
Available from: 2023-08-16 Created: 2023-08-16 Last updated: 2023-08-16Bibliographically approved
Blom, B., Carpholt, C. & Krull, I. (2023). Outline of a theory of stigmatization in the personal social services. Nordic Social Work Research
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Outline of a theory of stigmatization in the personal social services
2023 (English)In: Nordic Social Work Research, ISSN 2156-857X, E-ISSN 2156-8588Article in journal (Refereed) Epub ahead of print
Abstract [en]

This article presents an outline of a theory of stigmatization, consisting of theoretical propositions and a graphic model, which can help describe and explain stigmatization processes in the personal social services. The building blocks of the theory originate from existing theories and previous empirical research including our own study of stigmatization processes among social workers in Sweden and the United States. Pattern matching methodology was key to identifying a need for a new theory. Contributions to existing theory and potential implications for policy and practice are discussed, especially in relation to social work in the personal social services. The outlined theory contributes to existing stigma theory in several ways, of which three key findings are highlighted. The theory suggests: 1) that stigmatization processes can go in several directions, sometimes simultaneously; 2) that stigmatization processes can involve mutual reinforcement which can develop into a negative spiral; 3) that stigma can be placed upon social work as an institution. The outlined theory can be used as a starting point for analysing stigmatization processes in social work in several contexts, such as different institutional or organizational settings. We argue that existing stigma theory does not always provide sufficiently deep or specific explanations that are appropriate for the uniqueness of different settings. Thus, there is a need for a theory that is more precise and adapted to such a setting. The framework can be useful for researchers and university students that need a theory when studying stigma processes in social work practice. 

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Routledge, 2023
Keywords
Social workers, stigma, stigmatization, theory, pattern matching
National Category
Social Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-216855 (URN)10.1080/2156857x.2023.2281991 (DOI)2-s2.0-85177042403 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2023-11-19 Created: 2023-11-19 Last updated: 2023-12-01
Snellman, M.-L., Blom, B. & Eriksson, M. (2023). Social hållbarhet och en hållbar socialtjänst – utmaningar och möjligheter (1ed.). In: Björn Blom; Malin Eriksson; Marie-Louise Snellman (Ed.), Socialtjänstens arbete med social hållbarhet: insatser på individ-, grupp- och samhällsnivå (pp. 299-316). Lund: Studentlitteratur AB
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Social hållbarhet och en hållbar socialtjänst – utmaningar och möjligheter
2023 (Swedish)In: Socialtjänstens arbete med social hållbarhet: insatser på individ-, grupp- och samhällsnivå / [ed] Björn Blom; Malin Eriksson; Marie-Louise Snellman, Lund: Studentlitteratur AB, 2023, 1, p. 299-316Chapter in book (Other academic)
Abstract [sv]

I den här antologin beskriver ett antal författare socialtjänstens arbete med social hållbarhet utifrån olika nivåer och perspektiv. I det avslutande kapitlet sammanfattar vi de centrala aspekter som framkommer i bokens olika kapitel och som bidrar till ett klargörande av vad socialtjänstens arbete med social hållbarhet kan innebära. Vidare presenterar vi en sammanfattande tolkning av policylogiken bakom den planerade reformeringen av socialtjänsten och hur de olika insatser som diskuteras i boken kan förstås i relation till en sådan logik. Avslutningsvis diskuteras de behov, utmaningar och möjligheter, som mot bakgrund av bokens kapitel, är centrala för att kunna utveckla socialtjänstens arbete med social hållbarhet.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Lund: Studentlitteratur AB, 2023 Edition: 1
Keywords
Socialtjänst, Social hållbarhet, Hållbar socialtjänst
National Category
Social Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-212930 (URN)9789144153162 (ISBN)
Available from: 2023-08-16 Created: 2023-08-16 Last updated: 2023-09-05Bibliographically approved
Blom, B., Eriksson, M. & Snellman, M.-L. (2023). Socialtjänstens arbete med social hållbarhet: en introduktion. In: Björn Blom; Malin Eriksson; Marie-Louise Snellman (Ed.), Socialtjänstens arbete med social hållbarhet: insatser på individ-, grupp- och samhällsnivå (pp. 21-37). Lund: Studentlitteratur AB
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Socialtjänstens arbete med social hållbarhet: en introduktion
2023 (Swedish)In: Socialtjänstens arbete med social hållbarhet: insatser på individ-, grupp- och samhällsnivå / [ed] Björn Blom; Malin Eriksson; Marie-Louise Snellman, Lund: Studentlitteratur AB, 2023, p. 21-37Chapter in book (Other academic)
Abstract [sv]

Den här antologin handlar om socialtjänstens arbete med social hållbarhet. Det är ett tema som per definition kan sägas vara betydelsefullt, men samtidigt är det oklart vad det innebär, både i teori och praktik. Vi förmodar att olika läsare närmar sig boken med skilda förväntningar och förkunskaper. Några frågor som antagligen kan infinna sig är: Vad är social hållbarhet? Vad finns det för koppling mellan social hållbarhet och socialtjänstens arbete? Är socialtjänstens arbete med social hållbarhet något nytt? Vilka behöver kunskap om socialtjänstens arbete med social hållbarhet och varför? I det här kapitlet för vi en introducerade diskussion i anslutning till dessa frågor. Därigenom läggs en grund för bokens övriga kapitel där olika aspekter av socialtjänstens arbete med social hållbarhet behandlas mer ingående.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Lund: Studentlitteratur AB, 2023
Keywords
Socialtjänst, Social hållbarhet, Hållbar socialtjänst
National Category
Social Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-212929 (URN)978-91-44-15316-2 (ISBN)
Available from: 2023-08-16 Created: 2023-08-16 Last updated: 2023-09-05Bibliographically approved
Blom, B., Eriksson, M. & Snellman, M.-L. (Eds.). (2023). Socialtjänstens arbete med social hållbarhet: insatser på individ-, grupp- och samhällsnivå (1ed.). Lund: Studentlitteratur AB
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Socialtjänstens arbete med social hållbarhet: insatser på individ-, grupp- och samhällsnivå
2023 (Swedish)Collection (editor) (Other academic)
Abstract [sv]

Att arbeta för social hållbarhet är nödvändigt då det i grund och botten handlar om vår gemensamma framtid. I Sverige är socialtjänsten en nyckelaktör i detta arbete. I den här boken diskuteras bland annat vad social hållbarhet är, kopplingen mellan social hållbarhet och socialtjänstens arbete, samt hur socialtjänsten arbetar med frågor som rör social hållbarhet. I boken ger forskare och yrkesverksamma praktiker initierade och konkreta exempel på socialtjänstens arbete med social hållbarhet på olika samhällsnivåer. Författarna beskriver även hur arbetet med social hållbarhet har sett ut över tid och med utgångspunkt i lagförslag och aktuell forskning diskuteras hur socialtjänstens framtida arbete med social hållbarhet kan utvecklas. Socialtjänstens arbete med social hållbarhet vänder sig framför allt till studenter på socionomprogrammet och till studerande på andra professionsutbildningar inom det samhälls- och beteendevetenskapliga området. Boken kan med fördel läsas även av yrkesverksamma socionomer och annan personal i människobehandlande organisationer. Den är också relevant för beslutsfattare, lärare och forskare.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Lund: Studentlitteratur AB, 2023. p. 325 Edition: 1
Keywords
Socialtjänst, Social hållbarhet, Hållbar socialtjänst
National Category
Social Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-212933 (URN)9789144153162 (ISBN)
Available from: 2023-08-16 Created: 2023-08-16 Last updated: 2023-09-05Bibliographically approved
Krull, I., Carpholt, C. & Blom, B. (2023). Stigma for social workers in Sweden and U.S.. In: : . Paper presented at National Association of Social Workers (NASW), virtual symposium, April 27-28, 2023.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Stigma for social workers in Sweden and U.S.
2023 (English)Conference paper, Oral presentation only (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

This paper investigates how social workers within the social services, in different welfare regimes, comprehend social stigma. This is important since stigmatized social workers can affect clients and the social work negatively, i.e. poorer quality of interventions and poorer quality of results. Two types of theory was used: social stigma, and Esping-Andersen’s typology of welfare regimes. Sweden and the United States was studied, since they represent opposite types of welfare regimes: Social Democratic (Sweden) and US (Liberal). Comparison of social stigma among social workers in two welfare regimes enabled us to study how values, social policies and institutions influenced stigmatization processes. Data was collected through focus group interviews: three in Sweden and three in the United States. Data were analyzed with a conventional content analysis.

Results show significant differences between Sweden and US regarding: 1) how social workers experience that society views social work, 2) what society’s view of social work mean for social workers’ self-perception, 3) how social workers experience that society views the social service clients, 4) what society’s view of clients mean for social workers’ client work. Differences are mainly due to dissimilarities between the various welfare regimes, where stigma is an inherent part of the liberal welfare regime.

For social workers to be able to promote dignity and worth of people, they themselves must experience dignity and worth in their professional role. A fundamental prerequisite for this is welfare systems’ recognition of the importance of trusting human relationships. 

Keywords
social stigma, social worker, social services, focus groups, welfare regimes
National Category
Social Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-213035 (URN)
Conference
National Association of Social Workers (NASW), virtual symposium, April 27-28, 2023
Available from: 2023-08-21 Created: 2023-08-21 Last updated: 2023-08-21Bibliographically approved
Blom, B., Svenlin, A.-R., Grahn, R. & Blom-Nilsson, M. (2023). Symposium: Below the surface ­– Critical realism and social work research. In: : . Paper presented at FORSA 2023 Conference – Social work in changing times- challenges and new opportunities. Bodø, Norway, June 14-16, 2023.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Symposium: Below the surface ­– Critical realism and social work research
2023 (English)Conference paper, Oral presentation only (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

The theme of the symposium is how critical realism has been applied in social work research since the early 2000s. This symposium is strongly linked to the subtheme of Theory and practice in social work and more specific to theory development in social work. 

The aim of the symposium is to describe and discuss research where critical realism (CR) has been applied as a theoretical framework, and to inspire others to utilize CR in social work research. The first presentation is based on a systematic literature review of critical realism in social work research conducted between 2001 and 2022. The following two presentations concentrates on the CAIMeR-theory (Blom & Morén 2010; 2019), which is a general theory developed at Umeå University, based on CR, used for explaining client outcomes. The second presentation focuses on a revised version of the CAIMeR-theory. The third presentation demonstrates how the CAIMeR-theory underpinned and guided a small evaluation project. 

The presentations in the symposium will address central concepts of CR in different ways, and will altogether, serve as an introduction to critical realism and its use in social work research in different contexts.    

Abstract [en]

Critical realism, realist evaluation and social work research: A systematic review

Authors: Anu-Riina Svenlin & Didier Boost

Background: Critical Realism (CR), as a philosophy of science, was conceived by Roy Bhaskar (1979) as an alternative to empiricism and postmodernism; approaches which at the time had been dominating and dividing the social sciences. In social work, CR has been gaining momentum since Stan Houston (2001), Björn Blom and Stefan Morén (2003) convincingly argued how the paradigm can contribute to social work practice, research, and theory. Given the paradigm’s tendency to prioritize ontology over epistemology, CR has been applied in social work research in various ways, including realist evaluation (Kazi, 2003), in combination with grounded theory (Oliver, 2011), and the development of CAIMeR-theory (Blom & Morén, 2010). To further advance the use of CR, we argue that there is a need to analyze how CR and realist evaluation have contributed to the social work research.  

Method: In our review, we question (1) what is the motivation for using CR? (2) how is CR applied? (3) what empirical and theoretical contributions has been made to the body-of-knowledge? (4) which methodological issues are raised? To answer these questions a systematic review was conducted. Peer-reviewed articles (PsychInfo; Web of Science) relying on CR or realist evaluation between 2001 and 2022 were included. 

Findings and conclusion: The dataset will be analyzed in the spring 2023 and preliminary findings will be presented at the symposium. The results provide answers to the above-mentioned questions but allow also reflections on the strengths, weaknesses, and further prospects of using CR in social work research. 

Abstract [en]

The CAIMeR theory 2.0 – lessons learned and future prospects for evaluation in social work practice

Authors: Björn Blom, Didier Boost and Anu-Riina Svenlin

Background: The CAIMeR theory, developed for improving evaluation of social work practice, began to be outlined at Umeå University in the early 2000s. CAIMeR is a middle-range theory that primarily aims to explain how client outcomes arise. The theory is descriptive, in the sense that it stipulates the basic components of social work practice – Contexts, Actors, Interventions, Mechanisms, and Results – and how they interact. Furthermore, it is explanatory since it identifies generative mechanisms, and contextual conditions which underpin how change is realized in social work practice.

CAIMeR has been published in various versions and stages of development. The real impact, however, occurred after an international publication in 2010. Since then, CAIMeR has been used in research, evaluation, education and social work practice both in Sweden and in other countries (e.g. Australia, Belgium, Finland and Denmark).

Method: Throughout the years, the originators themselves (Björn Blom & Stefan Morén) and several other researchers have identified both advantages and weaknesses with the theory, and they have experimented with applying it in different contexts and welfare regimes. This called for a further development of the theory. We will present a revised version of the CAIMeR theory, which we accomplished by compiling different research experiences and analyzing pros and cons of applying the theory.

Findings and conclusion: The revised version includes e.g. new generative mechanisms, and a clarification and addition of contextual conditions. The result is a more usable theory that can guide researchers and social workers to obtain explanatory knowledge when evaluating social work practice.

Abstract [en]

How CAIMeR theory was used in the evaluation of a treatment center that conducts twelve-step treatment for substance use disorders

Authors: Marcus Blom-Nilsson, Robert Grahn, Anu-Riina Svenlin & Björn Blom

Background: We have carried out a pilot evaluation of a treatment center conducting treatment for substance use disorders with men aged 18 and over. The treatment is based on manual based twelve-step treatment, Recovery Dynamics.

The evaluation used a program theory approach with the goal of developing a local and organization-specific theory describing and explaining how and why the treatment center achieves outcomes. We have taken into account Contexts, Actors, Interventions, Mechanisms and Results by using the CAIMeR theory.

Method: Two types of data were used: 1) Focus group interviews with staff: i.e. semi-structured group interviews about prerequisites, interventions/processes and results. 2) Feedback group discussions: our observations and analysis have been discussed in meetings at the treatment center.

Findings and conclusion

The study shows:

  • that Contexts, Interventions and Results are more multifaceted, and interact in a more complex way, than what the organization itself perceives,
  • that informal support interventions (e.g. going fishing) seem to be more common and sometimes more important than the formal treatment interventions (e.g. group therapy),
  • that a basic assumption in the treatment – ​​"that addiction is a chronic mental illness" – is reinforced and confirmed via the mechanism of the self-fulfilling prophecy. This is because it is built into the twelve-step treatment that the clients should have a lifelong contact with the non-profit AA/NA self-help movement, and they must themselves act as support for other addicts after treatment has ended.

Our presentation demonstrates how CAIMeR theory underpinned and guided evaluation process, data collection, analysis and presentation of results.

Keywords
critical realism, CAIMeR-theory
National Category
Other Social Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-212946 (URN)
Conference
FORSA 2023 Conference – Social work in changing times- challenges and new opportunities. Bodø, Norway, June 14-16, 2023
Available from: 2023-08-17 Created: 2023-08-17 Last updated: 2023-08-17Bibliographically approved
Snellman, M.-L., Svenlin, A.-R., Burén, L., Jägerving Isaksson, C., Snellman, F., Bergmark, M. & Blom, B. (2023). What needs must be met for older people to be able to stay at home longer?: A scoping review by multi-professional collaborators. In: : . Paper presented at FORSA 2023 Conference – Social work in changing times- challenges and new opportunities. Bodø, Norway, June 14-16, 2023.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>What needs must be met for older people to be able to stay at home longer?: A scoping review by multi-professional collaborators
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2023 (English)Conference paper, Oral presentation only (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

Background: In Sweden and in many other countries, the proportion of older people will increase dramatically over the next ten years. Resources such as residential care will not be sufficient for the needs within the target group to the same extent as today. Organizations responsible for care needs to initiate new solutions to promote older people’s independence, active participation to extend the age of onset for elderly care interventions. This societal challenge was investigated through a scoping review with an overarching research question: What needs must be met for older people to be able to stay at home longer?

Review: Sub-questions were designed informed by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Which conditions make it possible for older people to stay at home longer regarding: 1) the person her/himself?, 2) the housing?, 3) the social relations?, 4) the surroundings? Several databases and search engines were used to search for a range of literature published 2000-2021, in English and Scandinavian languages. The search resulted in approx. 2500 abstracts of which 386 publications were selected.

Results: A preliminary assessment indicates that:

- the research area is heterogeneous (many different disciplines, target groups, questions, designs and theories).

- the publications include person-related factors (73%), environment-related factors (19%) and housing factors (8%).

- person-related factors include physical conditions (35%), psychological conditions (24%) and social relationships (13%).

We will present a compilation of preconditions that enable older people to stay at home longer, as well as demonstrate a model of how these preconditions are interrelated.

National Category
Social Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-213011 (URN)
Conference
FORSA 2023 Conference – Social work in changing times- challenges and new opportunities. Bodø, Norway, June 14-16, 2023
Available from: 2023-08-18 Created: 2023-08-18 Last updated: 2023-08-18Bibliographically approved
Blom, B., Carpholt, C. & Krull, I. (2022). Outline of a theory of stigmatization in social work practice. In: Nationell paperkonferens i socialt arbete (NaPSa): Linnéuniversitetet, Växjö, 16 - 17 mars 2022. Book of abstracts.. Paper presented at Nationell paperkonferens i socialt arbete (NaPSa) Linnéuniversitetet, Växjö, 16-17 mars, 2022. , Article ID 3158.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Outline of a theory of stigmatization in social work practice
2022 (English)In: Nationell paperkonferens i socialt arbete (NaPSa): Linnéuniversitetet, Växjö, 16 - 17 mars 2022. Book of abstracts., 2022, article id 3158Conference paper, Oral presentation with published abstract (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

Stigma is a theoretical concept widely used in different disciplines. Yet, previous theoretical outlooks on stigma have been fairly general. This means that existing stigma theory can be used in different settings, but it does not always provide sufficiently specific explanations. We argue that it is possible to develop a more specific theory of stigma. 

Our paper will outline a theory that describes and explains stigmatization processes in social work practice.This effort emanates from previous research experiences when we conducted an empirical study of stigmatization processes in social work in Sweden and the United States. The paper will focus on two questions:

• Which theoretical propositions must be included in a theory able to describe and explain stigmatization processes in social work practice?

• How should these theoretical propositions be transformed into a graphic model in order to illustrate the dynamics of stigmatization processes in social work practice?

We will present a stepwise description of our work to outline a theory of stigmatization processes in social work practice. The building blocks of this theory originate from existing theories and previous empirical research, including our own study of stigmatization processes among social workers. The paper will therefore include parts of our empirical study of social workers in Sweden and the USA (Carpholt, Blom & Krull, 2021). The outline is presented as theoretical propositions and as a graphic model.

Finally, we discuss contributions to existing theory and potential implications for policy and practice, especially in relation to social work in the social services. 

Keywords
Stigma, Stigmatization, Social work, Theory development
National Category
Social Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-193254 (URN)978-91-89460-12-6 (ISBN)
Conference
Nationell paperkonferens i socialt arbete (NaPSa) Linnéuniversitetet, Växjö, 16-17 mars, 2022
Available from: 2022-03-23 Created: 2022-03-23 Last updated: 2022-03-23Bibliographically approved
Projects
How do social workers and doctors use knowledge in practice? A comparison between two professions [2009-00251_Forte]; Umeå UniversityAddiction treatment outcomes [2010-01379_Forte]; Umeå UniversityOutcomes and evaluation of addiction treatment [2012-01438_Forte]; Umeå UniversityNetwork: for Comparative Research on Professions (N-CORP) [2012-01448_Forte]; Umeå UniversityA network for Comparative Research on Addiction Treatment (CRAT) [F13-1547:1_RJ]; Umeå UniversitySubstance abuse research in welfare states with different social work cultures [2016-07281_Forte]; Umeå University; Publications
Carpholt, C., Krull, I. & Blom, B. (2021). Stigmatization Processes in Social Work: a comparative study of social workers in the social services in Sweden and the United States. In: : . Paper presented at Forsa/NASSW Conference, Reykjavik, Iceland 11-12 November 2021. Online conference.
Organisations
Identifiers
ORCID iD: ORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0002-5867-234X

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