Social Work
Social Work is an interdisciplinary subject which has developed at the intersection of professional experience and science. The areas of knowledge encompassed by Social Work include professional experience, education and research. The subject’s theoretical basis stems from related subjects within the social sciences as well as legal and behavioural science.
Social Work as a subject involves the study of individuals and groups in vulnerable situations, such as those resulting from social circumstances that develop incongruities; and the study of the interplay between vulnerable individuals and social structures. Also included in the subject is the study of social development and change as well as problem solving. The latter focus includes work which strives to hinder or prevent disparity, to break the cycle of victimization and destructive life patterns, and to empower groups and individuals with respect to their ability to change their own life situation.
Social Work as research and practice spans many areas including, among others: financial support, child and family work, institutionalized care, addiction treatment, social planning, inter-professional collaboration and questions concerning general welfare.
At Högskolan Dalarna social work as a subject is undergoing major development and the central aspects of Social Work are carried out within the newly started Social Work Program and the revised Social Care Program. Development of both programs is carried out in close co-operation with the region’s professional community. The goal is to create a new type of academic professional education within the area of social welfare where theory and practice in social work are integrated during the entire course of the educational program.
