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  • 1.
    Andersson, Katarina
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Blom, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Moren, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Sauer, Lennart
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Teorigenerering och kvalitativ analys i NUD*IST: Forskare i socialt arbete beskriver och reflekterar2004Report (Other academic)
  • 2.
    Andersson, Katarina
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    Blom, BjörnUmeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.Morén, StefanUmeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.Sauer, LennartUmeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    Teorigenerering och kvalitativ analys i NUD*IST.: Forskare i socialt arbete beskriver och reflekterar2004Collection (editor) (Other academic)
  • 3. Andersson-Långdahl, Gun-Eva
    et al.
    Blom, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Ericson, Agneta
    Gyllenberg, Lena
    Marklund, Roger
    Morén, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Perlinski, Marek
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Spång, Ulla
    Westermark, Elin
    Why is the counselling agency Oden successful?: a joint evaluation and research project by social workers and researchers2013Conference paper (Other academic)
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    Why is Oden successful?
  • 4.
    Andersson-Långdahl, Gun-Eva
    et al.
    Skellefteå kommun.
    Blom, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Ericsson, Agneta
    Skellefteå kommun.
    Gyllenberg, Lena
    Skellefteå kommun.
    Marklund, Roger
    Skellefteå kommun.
    Morén, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Perlinski, Marek
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Spång, Ulla
    Skellefteå kommun.
    Westermark, Elin
    Skellefteå kommun.
    Rådgivningen Oden: utveckling av programteori om hur en verksamhet för missbruksbehandling fungerar2014Report (Refereed)
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    fulltext
  • 5.
    Anttila, Sten
    et al.
    Statens beredning för medicinsk och social utvärdering SBU.
    Blom, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    "Utvärdering av sociala insatser kräver medverkan av folk från fältet"2016In: Medicinsk vetenskap & praxis : information från SBU, ISSN 1104-1250, no 1, p. 8-9Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [sv]

    Framgångsrika utvärderingar på socialtjänstens område är beroende av information från både forskare, socialarbetare och brukare. Det skriver Sten Anttila på SBU och Björn Blom, professor i socialt arbete i Umeå.

  • 6.
    Blom, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    From Vision to Reality in the Personal Social Services in Sweden: how organizational specialization affects clients and social workers2012Conference paper (Other academic)
  • 7.
    Blom, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    [Förord till] Annemette Matthiessen, Birgitte Zeeberg & Maja Haack: Specialisering – et tveægget sværd? En undersøgelse af organisering i børne- og ungeafdelninger set fra en sagsbehandler- og en familiesynsvinkel.2017Other (Other (popular science, discussion, etc.))
    Abstract [da]

    Hvordan skal arbejdet med socialt udsatte mennesker organiseres? Det er et spørgsmål som har været aktuelt i den vestlige verden siden slutningen af 1800-tallet, da fattigvæsen og finantropi overgik til at blive det vi nu kalder socialt arbejde. Idag arbejder socialarbejdere i de nordiske lande næsten udelukkende i organisationer, først og fremmest i kommuner, regioner eller staten. I denne rapport, som handler om socialforvaltningens arbejde med børn og unge i Danmark, bliver det tydeligt, at spørgsmålet om, hvordan det socialt arbejde skal organiseres endnu ikke er besvaret, selv om problematikken har eksisteret i mere end 100 år.

  • 8.
    Blom, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Förord till den svenska utgåvan2016In: Att bli socialarbetare: en reflekterande vägledning för studenter / [ed] Priscilla Dunk-West, Lund: Studentlitteratur AB, 2016, p. 9-10Chapter in book (Other (popular science, discussion, etc.))
    Abstract [sv]

    Både under och efter studierna i socialt arbete kan det vara svårt att ta ett steg tillbaka och reflektera över vad det innebär att ­vara socialarbetare. Med det som utgångspunkt diskuterar Att bli social­arbetare kunskapsbasen i socialt arbete – från mänsklig ­utveckling till det sociala arbetets praktik – och undersöker hur dina egna värderingar, principer och erfarenheter tillsammans ­formar din identitet och praktik som socialarbetare.

  • 9.
    Blom, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Förord till den svenska utgåvan2013In: Värdebaserad ledning i offentliga professioner / [ed] Tor Busch, Lund, 2013, p. 7-8Chapter in book (Other (popular science, discussion, etc.))
  • 10.
    Blom, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Generative mechanisms in social work practice: how they differ from other types of mechanisms2013Conference paper (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    The focus of my presentation is generative mechanisms, a basic concept and phenomenon within the meta-theoretical perspective of critical realism. Briefly, a generative mechanism is as a trans-empirical but real existing entity, making events occur. Mechanisms are mostly possible to grasp only indirectly by analytical work (theory building), based however on empirical observations. More specifically I will concentrate on generative mechanisms in social work practice, and how they differ from other types of generative mechanisms.

  • 11.
    Blom, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    Kan socialtjänsten fungera som en marknad2000In: Nordisk Socialt Arbeid, Vol. 20, no 3, p. 149-157Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 12.
    Blom, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Knowing or un-knowing?: that is the question in the era of evidence-based social work practice2009In: Journal of Social Work, ISSN 1468-0173, E-ISSN 1741-296X, Vol. 9, no 2, p. 158-177Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Summary: A present trend in social work is the focus on evidence-based knowledge. This kind of knowledge does fill a purpose, but is not sufficient on its own. The article argues that social workers need a complement to knowing, and this approach could be conceptualized as un-knowing. In this article, a theory of un-knowing for social work practice is outlined. This implies a theoretical scrutiny of knowing and un-knowing and a discussion of how it can be used in practice. Moreover, the article presents findings from an empirical study of social work students who describe their usage of different forms of knowledge reflexively.

    Findings: The article presents the results of a study in which social work students' usage of different forms of knowledge in their field studies was examined. The results demonstrate that social work students use different forms of knowledge in practice, and un-knowing is one of the actively used forms. Women tend to use un-knowing somewhat more than men.

    Applications : The article is a contribution to the ongoing debate on evidence-based practice in social work. It is argued that it is important to teach social work students to understand un-knowing in theory and to use it in practice, and in combination with other forms of knowledge in social work.

  • 13.
    Blom, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    Market orientation of the personal social services: a Swedish case2001In: Does Social Welfare Pay?, 2001Conference paper (Other academic)
  • 14.
    Blom, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    Marknadsorientering av socialtjänst - orsaker, motiv och effekter2006In: Organisation och omvärld: nyinstitutionell analys av människobehandlande organisationer, Studentlitteratur, Lund , 2006, p. 173-202Chapter in book (Refereed)
  • 15.
    Blom, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Marknadsorientering av socialtjänstens individ- och familjeomsorg: om villkor, processer och konsekvenser1998Doctoral thesis, monograph (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Since the end of the 1980s, the introduction of market mechanisms in the public sector has been a dominant feature in Sweden. The same is true for the social services in several municipalities, where business style behaviour and organisation, and competition have become salient features of market-oriented social services.

    The aim of the study is to describe and analyse: the structural conditions for market oriented personal social services; how social workers pursue client centred work in market oriented personal social services; the consequences of this market orientation on the personal social services.

    The empirical study is a case study of the personal social services in the municipality of Linköping. The purchaser-provider model in Linköping is one of the most advanced and discussed in Sweden. The research comprises a quantitative pilot study and a qualitative main study. The main study is based on twenty semi-structured interviews with experienced social workers and their immediate superiors.

    The analysis of the interviews reveals that the personal social services are only achieving to a lesser extent the ends that a quasi-market, theoretically, should achieve. The conditions that have to be satisfied to achieve the ends of the quasi-market are only partly met. Bureaucratic control is one important reason why the personal social services are imperfect as a quasi- market.

    The re-organisation has resulted in a number of, to some extent, positive consequences. The re-organisation has, however, also resulted in some negative consequences. In the thesis these are categorised in terms of fragmentation, antagonism and obscurity. A linguistic change, in market oriented personal social services, appears to have influenced social workers to think and act differently in relation to their work.

    The most important conclusion drawn from the study is that the market oriented personal social services partly function as a responsive quasi-market for strong, rational and well- informed clients. However, in relation to the most vulnerable, it is failing in many respects.

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    fulltext
  • 16.
    Blom, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    Om att driva ett kvalitetsutvecklingsprojekt i det sociala arbetets tjänst2004In: FoU i det sociala arbetets tjänst. En reflekterande antologi om forsknings- och utvecklingsarbete i socialtjänsten, Utvecklings- och fältforskningsenheten (UFFE) vid Umeå socialtjänst, Umeå , 2004, p. 60-74Chapter in book (Other academic)
  • 17.
    Blom, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Social work research and evaluation: a critical realist perspective2013Conference paper (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Research on evidence in social work, inspired by evidence research and evaluation in medicine, mainly builds on empirical correlations between standardized methods and its effects on clients. This kind of research is a prerequisite for evidence-based practice (EBP). The ambition is to verify that certain methods probably are more effective than others, but the content and processes in between interventions and results remains a black box. This kind of research and evaluation is mainstream in the field of EBP, and randomised controlled trials usually are regarded as ”gold standard”.

    However, if the ambition is to explain how and why results emerge from the content of interventions and its contextual contingencies – to open up the black box – the research or evaluation task will be quite different. In order to discover the powers and causes in the social reality, that in a deeper sense explain empirical observations, we have to turn to a meta-theoretical perspective taking us beneath the empirical surface. Powers and causes in social reality are seldom observable, rather we must grasp them in terms of abstract entities like structures and patterns of generative mechanisms. It is a matter of developing theory about these structures and mechanisms, based on empirical observations. The meta-theoretical perspective critical realism can work as guide to this sub-empirical dimension of social reality.

    This presentation presents the CAIMeR theory that connects critical realism to social work research and evaluation. This theory can help us explain the way results in social work practice arise from the content of interventions and its contextual contingencies. 

  • 18.
    Blom, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    Socialt arbete som marknad2003In: Tidskriften Socionomen, ISSN 0283-1929, no 1Article in journal (Other (popular science, discussion, etc.))
  • 19.
    Blom, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    Specialization in social work practice - effects on interventions in the personal social services2004In: Journal of Social Work, ISSN 1468-0173, Vol. 4, no 1, p. 25-46Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 20.
    Blom, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    The personal social services in a Swedish quasi-market context2001In: Policy & Politics, ISSN 0305-5736, Vol. 29, no 1, p. 29-42Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 21.
    Blom, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    The social worker-client relationship: a Sartrean approach2002In: European Journal of Social Work, ISSN 1369-1457, Vol. 5, no 3, p. 277-285Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 22.
    Blom, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    Vem har råd med god etik?2003Other (Other (popular science, discussion, etc.))
  • 23.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Carpholt, Camilla
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Krull, Ivy
    School of Humanities & Social Sciences, Emmanuel College, Boston, USA.
    Outline of a theory of stigmatization in social work practice2022In: Nationell paperkonferens i socialt arbete (NaPSa): Linnéuniversitetet, Växjö, 16 - 17 mars 2022. Book of abstracts., 2022, article id 3158Conference paper (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. 

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    fulltext
  • 24.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Carpholt, Camilla
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Krull, Ivy
    School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Emmanuel College, Boston, MA, USA.
    Outline of a theory of stigmatization in the personal social services2023In: Nordic Social Work Research, ISSN 2156-857X, E-ISSN 2156-8588Article in journal (Refereed)
    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. 

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    fulltext
  • 25.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Dukes, Kimberly A.
    DM-STAT, One Salem Street Suite 300, Malden, MA 02148 USA; Center for Addictions Research and Services, Boston University School of Social Work, 264 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215 USA.
    Lundgren, Lena
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work. School of Social Work, Boston University, USA.
    Sullivan, Lisa M.
    Center for Addictions Research and Services, Boston University School of Social Work, 264 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215 USA.
    Register data in the evaluation and program planning of addiction treatment programs: using Sweden as an example2015In: Evaluation and Program Planning, ISSN 0149-7189, E-ISSN 1873-7870, Vol. 49, p. 185-191Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Data from large-scale registers is often underutilized when evaluating addiction treatment programs. Since many programs collect register data regarding clients and interventions, there is a potential to make greater use of such records for program evaluation. The purpose of this article is to discuss the value of using large-scale registers in the evaluation and program planning of addiction treatment systems and programs. Sweden is used as an example of a country where register data is both available and is starting to be used in national evaluation and program planning efforts. The article focuses on possibilities, limitations and practicalities when using large-scale register data to conduct evaluations and program planning of addiction treatment programs. Main conclusions are that using register data for evaluation provides large amounts of data at low cost, limitations associated to the use of register data may be handled statistically, register data can answer important questions in planning of addiction treatment programs, and more accurate measures are needed to account for the diversity of client populations.   

  • 26.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Eriksson, Malin
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Snellman, Marie-Louise
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Socialtjänstens arbete med social hållbarhet: en introduktion2023In: 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.

  • 27.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Eriksson, MalinUmeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.Snellman, Marie-LouiseUmeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Socialtjänstens arbete med social hållbarhet: insatser på individ-, grupp- och samhällsnivå2023Collection (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.

  • 28.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Evertsson, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Perlinski, Marek
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    European social and caring professions in transition2017In: Social and caring professions in European welfare states: policies, services and professional practicies / [ed] Björn Blom, Lars Evertsson and Marek Perlinski, Bristol: Policy Press, 2017, p. 1-17Chapter in book (Refereed)
  • 29.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Evertsson, LarsUmeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.Perlinski, MarekUmeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Social and caring professions in European welfare states: policies, services and professional practices2017Collection (editor) (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    This collection provides new insights about current welfare professions in a number of European countries.

    Focusing on research representing different types of European welfare states, including the Scandinavian and the Continental, the book offers in-depth understandings of professionals' everyday work within different contextual conditions, explored from empirical and theoretical perspectives. Subjects covered include knowledge and identity, education and professional development, regulation, accountability, collaboration, assessment and decision making.

    This is a valuable contribution to the discussion of professionalism and welfare professions, offering lessons learned and ways forward.

  • 30.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Evertsson, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Perlinski, Marek
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Rexvid, Devin
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Decision-making in problematic situations: reflections on social workers’ use of knowledge and implications for social work research2014Conference paper (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Currently there is an effort to make social workers act according to principles of evidence-based practice. This approach assumes that by supporting social workers with reviews of “what works”, or practice guidelines, decision-making, and knowledge use will improve.

    Our paper discusses decision-making and knowledge use in social work practice. What kind of knowledge is used? How is decision-making conditioned by contextual contingencies? What are the implications for social work research?

    The paper draws on two studies of social workers. From the study Social Workers and Doctors Use of Knowledge in Practice, written narratives describing problematic situations where decision-making were hampered were collected. The participants (29 social workers) were experienced and came from different areas of the Swedish social services.

    The project “Specialization or integration in the Personal Social Services?” studied how specialised respectively integrated organisations condition interventions and outcomes. We studied three organisational models using several research methods: 1) survey among social workers, 2) interviewing politicians, mangers and social workers, 3) focus groups with social workers, 4) analysing official documents, guidelines etc.

    Decision-making and knowledge use proved to be more complex than usually assumed within the EBP paradigm. It is seldom just a matter of rational decision-making and matching specific interventions and well-defined social problems. The character of the interaction with clients conditions social workers’ decision-making and use of knowledge. Interaction with clients, perceived as being “problematic”, causes a rupture in social workers’ professional routine practice, which affects decision-making and knowledge use.

    The predominant discourse on decision-making and knowledge use focuses on "the best” kind of knowledge, how knowledge should be implemented, as well as professionals’ motivation and competence. Professional action is largely viewed as a rational cognitive process. However, this is insufficient and policy-makers and social work researcher should focus more on social and relational aspects (i.e. client encounters) of decision-making and knowledge use.

  • 31.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Fu, Lihua
    Shandong University, Jinan, China.
    A Comparative Analysis of Social Services Organizations in Sweden and China. Lessons for Social Work and Social Development Practice2016In: SWSD 2016: Program book, Seoul, 2016Conference paper (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    The presentation covers a comparative analysis of social services organizations in Sweden and China, which includes lessons for social work and social development practice.

    The presentation describes how social services organizations in Sweden and China have developed since the 1970s, as well as their current state. This is followed by an analysis of these country's social services organizations, which focus on main advantages and disadvantages, for social workers and service users/clients. In conclusion, we present lessons for social work as well as the social development practice. The presentation is based on our own empirical research and a review of previous research in this area.

    Sweden is one of the world’s most developed welfare states and has had publicly organized social services, on a municipal level, since the 1950s. China has not had well-developed and modern systems of social welfare and social service. Moreover, the traditional social welfare system in China, formed during the planned economy era (1953-1978), is not adequate for the modern China. However, China is currently developing a welfare system with publicly organized social services. The Chinese transformation project is partly inspired from other countries, including Sweden.

    The presentation includes a discussion of two common assumptions: 1) that social services organizations in western welfare states have been developed optimally, and that non-welfare states only need to copy them to obtain well-functioning social services, and 2) that welfare states like Sweden have little to learn from countries like China, concerning social services organizations. We argue that these assumptions are incorrect, e.g. by showing that social services organizations are not universally appropriate, and that such organizations cannot be detached from the culture and mentality in a country. 

  • 32.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    Grape, Ove
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    Nyinstitutionalism: Teori med stor potential2006In: Organisation och omvärld: nyinstitutionell analys av människobehandlande organisationer, Studentlitteratur, Lund , 2006, p. 7-15Chapter in book (Refereed)
  • 33.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    Hyvönen, Ulf
    FoU i det sociala arbetets tjänst: en något utvecklad tankeram2004In: FoU i det sociala arbetets tjänst. En reflekterande antologi om forsknings- och utvecklingsarbete i socialtjänsten, Utvecklings- och fältforskningsenheten (UFFE) vid Umeå socialtjänst, Umeå , 2004, p. 153-167Chapter in book (Other academic)
  • 34.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    Hyvönen, Ulf
    FoU i det sociala arbetets tjänst: utkast till en tankeram2004In: FoU i det sociala arbetets tjänst. En reflekterande antologi om forsknings- och utvecklingsarbete i socialtjänsten, Utvecklings- och fältforskningsenheten (UFFE) vid Umeå socialtjänst, Umeå , 2004, p. 24-39Chapter in book (Other academic)
  • 35.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Isaksson, Cristine
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Nygren, Lennart
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Kuratorn: det sociala arbetets centrala aktör i skolan2020In: Socialt arbete i skolan: villkor, innehåll och utmaningar / [ed] Cristine Isaksson, Björn Blom och Lennart Nygren, Lund: Studentlitteratur AB, 2020, 1, p. 19-26Chapter in book (Other academic)
  • 36.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Isaksson, Cristine
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Nygren, Lennart
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Socialt arbete i skolan: utmaningar och utvecklingslinjer2020In: Socialt arbete i skolan: villkor, innehåll och utmaningar / [ed] Cristine Isaksson, Björn Blom och Lennart Nygren, Lund: Studentlitteratur AB, 2020, 1, p. 241-256Chapter in book (Other academic)
  • 37.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Lalos, Ann
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
    Morén, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Olsson, Mariann
    Karolinska institutet.
    Hälso- och sjukvården – en central arena för socialt arbete2014In: Socialt arbete i hälso- och sjukvård: villkor, innehåll och utmaningar / [ed] Ann Lalos, Björn Blom, Stefan Morén, Mariann Olsson, Stockholm: Natur och kultur, 2014, 1, p. 17-31Chapter in book (Other academic)
  • 38.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    Moren, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    Att förklara mänsklig förändring - om att öppna den svarta lådan vid utvärdering av socialt arbete2004In: Utvärdering i Sverige - makt, kunskap och lärande: Konferens Norra Latin, Stockholm 22-23 april 2004, 2004Conference paper (Other academic)
  • 39.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    Moren, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    Larsson, H
    Åhs, S
    Billing, M
    Hedenbro, M
    Hofsten, G
    Mörner, I
    Utslagning och ökat lidande2005Other (Other (popular science, discussion, etc.))
  • 40.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    Morén, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    Analys av generativa mekanismer2008In: Att forska i socialt arbete: utmaningar, förhållningssätt och metoder, Studentlitteratur, Lund , 2008Chapter in book (Other academic)
  • 41.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Morén, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Analysis of generative mechanisms2011In: Journal of Critical Realism, ISSN 1476-7430, E-ISSN 1572-5138, Vol. 10, no 1, p. 60-79Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The focus of this article is the analysis of generative mechanisms, a basic concept and phenomenon within the metatheoretical perspective of critical realism. It is emphasized that research questions and methods, as well as the knowledge it is possible to attain, depend on the basic view – ontologically and epistemologically – regarding the phenomenon under scrutiny. A generative mechanism is described as a trans empirical but real existing entity, explaining why observable events occur. Mechanisms are mostly possible to grasp only indirectly by analytical work (theory-building), based however on empirical observations. In order to achieve such an explanatory analysis, five methodological steps are suggested and discussed, among them abduction and retroduction. These steps are illustrated throughout by examples drawn from empirical research regarding social work practice. The article is concluded with a discussion of the need for knowledge of generative mechanisms.

     

  • 42.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Morén, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Evaluation of quality in social-work practice2012In: Nordic Journal of Social Research, E-ISSN 1892-2783, Vol. 3, p. 1-17Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    This theoretical article describes and discusses the concept of quality in relation to the evaluation of social-work practice. Of particular interest are the difference between quality of services and quality of life and the importance of balancing the stakeholders’ different interests in order to make a sound judgement of quality in social work possible. This article begins with presenting some basic perspectives on quality as well as the transference of the concept of quality from manufacturing industry to social-work practice. Thereafter the two main issues are discussed: the concepts of quality of service and of quality of life and the importance of balancing different stakeholders’ perspectives in the evaluation of quality in social-work practice. This article concludes that: 1) it is crucial to be aware of and to consider the distinction between quality of service and quality of life; 2) clients’ perspective on quality of life is an aspect of outcome that currently receives insufficient attention; 3) clients’ subjective experiences of welfare of well-being deserve greater attention for ethical as well as methodological reasons; and 4) judgement of quality in social work are inevitably dependent on different stakeholders’ perspectives.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 43.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Morén, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Explaining social work practice: the CAIMeR theory2015In: Social work research: Volume 2, Decisions about research strategy / [ed] Ian F. Shaw, Mark Hardy, Jeanne C. Marsh, Sage Publications, 2015, p. 239-260Chapter in book (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Summary: This article presents the CAIMeR theory, consisting of a conceptual framework and a theoretical model, which can help explain how results in social work practice arise from interventions and its contextual contingencies. The theory has been developed over several years in connection with empirical studies, and together with social workers. Findings: The article starts from the meta-theoretical perspective critical realism and its notion of explanative knowledge as a stepping stone to open up the so-called black box. A fundamental concept in critical realism, generative mechanisms, is discussed and elaborated. Applications: The CAIMeR theory can be used in several contexts: social work practice, and for evaluation of social work, and, moreover, for organization development in social work. We argue that social workers, evaluators and decision-makers need accurate theory about the core activity (work with clients) within its contextual conditions. The CAIMeR theory pays attention to generative mechanisms at different levels, which is necessary if one wants to understand what is going on in a certain agency, and explain the results in a more qualified way. The theory can also be useful for researchers and university students that need a comprehensive explanative framework when studying phenomena in social work practice.

  • 44.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Morén, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Explaining social work practice: The CAIMeR theory2010In: Journal of Social Work, ISSN 1468-0173, E-ISSN 1741-296X, Vol. 10, no 1, p. 98-119Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 45.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    Morén, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    Generativa mekanismer vid utvärdering av socialt arbete: vad, hur och varför?2007Conference paper (Other (popular science, discussion, etc.))
  • 46.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    Morén, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    Insatser och resultat i socialt arbete2007Book (Other academic)
  • 47.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    Morén, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    Interventions and results in the personal social services: a retrospective pilot study2002Conference paper (Other (popular science, discussion, etc.))
  • 48.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Morén, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Kritisk realistisk utvärdering2011In: Utvärdering i socialt arbete: Utgångspunkter, modeller och användning / [ed] Björn Blom, Stefan Morén, Lennart Nygren, Stockholm: Natur & Kultur , 2011, 1, p. 139-154Chapter in book (Other academic)
  • 49.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    Morén, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Welfare.
    Kunskapens kraft: Om socialt arbete, utvärdering och verksamhetsutveckling på kritisk realistisk grund2006Report (Other academic)
  • 50.
    Blom, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Morén, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Kvalitetsbegreppet2011In: Utvärdering i socialt arbete: Utgångspunkter, modeller och användning / [ed] Björn Blom, Stefan Morén, Lennart Nygren, Stockholm: Natur & Kultur , 2011, 1, p. 71-87Chapter in book (Other academic)
123 1 - 50 of 137
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