Philosophical Concept of Citizenship in Social Work Education: Model of Norway

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the article is to present the philosophical concept of state and democratic citizenship in working with social service clients based on a reflection of the professional practice of social work students in Norway. THEORETICAL BASIS: The theoretical basis of the concept of citizenship in social work supports the concept of active citizenship, the principle of social justice and the theory of recognition. METHODS: In the process of analysing reports and reflections of social work students, we used content analysis and open coding, through which we identified individual topics and categories. OUTCOMES: Two main categories have been identified: 1. description of the course of applying the concept of citizenship in working with social service clients, 2. benefits and importance of applying the concept of citizenship. The key findings appeal in particular to the creation of a relationship with clients, the promotion of clients' own resources and the active participation of the client in social care. SOCIAL WORK IMPLICATIONS: The text forms a coherent set of findings about the philosophical concept of citizenship in the theory of social work. The method of education within the specialised training of Norwegian students can serve as an example and inspiration for the application of the concept of citizenship in the practice of social work. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the article is to present the philosophical concept of state and democratic citizenship in working with social service clients based on a reflection of the professional practice of social work students in Norway. THEORETICAL BASIS: The theoretical basis of the concept of citizenship in social work supports the concept of active citizenship, the principle of social justice and the theory of recognition. METHODS: In the process of analysing reports and reflections of social work students, we used content analysis and open coding, through which we identified individual topics and categories. OUTCOMES: Two main categories have been identified: 1. description of the course of applying the concept of citizenship in working with social service clients, 2. benefits and importance of applying the concept of citizenship. The key findings appeal in particular to the creation of a relationship with clients, the promotion of clients' own resources and the active participation of the client in social care. SOCIAL WORK IMPLICATIONS: The text forms a coherent set of findings about the philosophical concept of citizenship in the theory of social work. The method of education within the specialised training of Norwegian students can serve as an example and inspiration for the application of the concept of citizenship in the practice of social work.