SP9300 Social inequality, health and work inclusion: theory, research approaches and empirical findings Course description

The course is an optional course in the PhD Programme in Social Work and Social Policy Approved by the Doctorial Committee at HiOA March 30th 2017

The course focuses on the reciprocal relationships between participation in the labour market and health, and the ways in which these are structured by social stratification. A running theme is how these phenomena and their interrelations are shaped by national and international institutions and contexts. The degree to which Western societies are able to integrate disadvantaged groups in the labour market is arguably one of the most crucial preconditions for their sustainability in the future. The course will apply an interdisciplinary perspective and draw on disciplines and research fields like social epidemiology, health research, sociology, labour market research, political science, and comparative social policy. The course will cover topics like concepts of health, in particular dimensions related to functional status and work capacity; the social distribution of health and its social determinants in different types of societies; international trends and patterns in labour market inclusion and exclusion; pathogenic and salutary aspects of work; policies and measures to include and retain disadvantaged groups in the labour market.

The course deals with different research traditions, theories and methodological approaches to empirical studies relating to practice in social work: action research, evaluation, participant-oriented research, collaborative research and practitioner-based research.

The course covers the philosophy of science and the theoretical basis for practice-based research and action research. Important questions include the following:

What is the relationship between experience-based and research-based knowledge? What possibilities for developing knowledge and understanding exist within different research traditions in practice-based research and action research? What are the roles of researchers and other actors (service users and employees) within the different approaches in practice-based research and action research? What is the relationship between proximity and distance when social workers function as researchers within their own culture/subject area?

No prior knowledge requirements

After completing the course, the candidates are expected to have the following knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

Candidates have in-depth knowledge about

• theoretical and methodological perspectives that form the basis for practice-based research and action research in the field of social work
• theory of knowledge issues relating to practice-based research and action research that make it possible to reflect on the relevance and limitations of the production of knowledge in these kinds of research
• important issues relating to the researcher role, dilemmas and research ethics questions in practice-based research and action research

Skills

Candidates are capable of

• producing designs for practice-based research and action research in social work on the basis of different theoretical and methodological approaches
• analysing and reflecting on important theory of knowledge, methodological and research ethics questions relating to practice-based research and action research in social work, and in relation to their own research projects
• conducting analyses of the conditions for and challenges to the development of knowledge about social work

General competence

Candidates are capable of

• assessing and identifying new research questions in the field
• taking part in the academic debate in national and international forums

The course is based on lectures, self-study and study groups/group work. Presentations and discussions will be based on experience from practice-based research and action research in the workplace and organisations, as well as experience from social work and child welfare services.

Participants will be asked to present research questions and produce research designs for studies based on practice-based research and action research. The presentations will form the basis for discussions where active participation will be expected, both in presenting one's own ideas and providing feedback on the ideas of others. The presentations must be put into writing (1-2 pages) and distributed to the teachers and other course participants by the stipulated deadline. Participation is mandatory, and candidates are expected to attend all days of teaching. A minor absence (up to 20 %) may only be accepted under certain circumstances and upon application. In the event of absences that are not approved, candidates will lose their right to have their essays assessed.

Candidates must write an essay of 8-10 pages. The essay must be handed in for assessment by the teacher responsible for the course no later than two months after teaching ends. A passed essay is a precondition for being awarded the 5 ECTS credits. If the essay is awarded a fail grade, the candidate can submit a revised essay once, by a specified deadline.

All examination support material is allowed as long as source reference and quotation technique requirements are applied.

Passed - Failed

The essay will be graded by the course lectures.