The role of social workers in the development of the welfare state in Greece

Dedotsi, Sofia and Young, Alys (2019) The role of social workers in the development of the welfare state in Greece. In: Austerity, social work and welfare policies: a global perspective. Thomson Reuters Aranzadi, Spain, pp. 75-93. ISBN 9788413096766

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Abstract

The history of welfare in Greece has always reflected the wider socio-political context and has been characterised by unjust policies which promote social divisions. In the present day market-driven criteria have resulted in extensive cuts to welfare services. Reflecting on welfare’s historical evolution and social work’s responses in Greece, this chapter provides insights into the profession’s pivotal position in the formation and maintenance of unjust welfare practices as well as its potential to promote a more just welfare state. It discusses the profession’s limited role in public dialogue and policy making and how in times of oppression social work too has participated in the reproduction of social inequalities. Based on the emancipatory values of the profession, the chapter indicates the urgent need for social work to transform welfare structures and institutions based on anti-oppressive action, an approach not conventionally taught within social work education. Although focussed on the Greek context, the discussion has contemporary relevance for other European or international states too facing legacies of historical injustice and current economic austerity.

Item Type:	Book Section
Subjects:	L400 Social Policy L500 Social Work
Department:	Faculties > Health and Life Sciences > Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing
Related URLs:	Publisher
Depositing User:	Paul Burns
Date Deposited:	10 Oct 2019 13:22
Last Modified:	10 Oct 2019 14:22
URI:	http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/41074

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