Onderzoek en maatschappelijk werk

Samenvatting

An examination of the relations between social research and social work. Sociological research in the sphere of social work, carried out for national, provincial and local authorities, has shown that sociological res'ers generally lack knowledge of the special problems of social work; also that too much is often expected from them by those who commission their studies. Social research into problems of social work can be divided into 3 phases: (1) research on the analysis of the problems involved; (2) research into the social media required within a framework of total therapy (social media are defined as consciously chosen ways to introduce certain forms of social work into a concrete situation, eg a neighborhood social center; therapy is the total effort used to tackle a given problem); and (3) research into the role of gov'al and private agencies in the organization and application of social work in the given problematic. Such research involves an examination of what has been done in this sphere at home and abroad; the testing of org'al forms and practical techniques; and setting up exp's in new areas of social work with the aid of experts. Some areas of research in social work are enumerated: assimilation of repatriated people and of immigrants; social therapies needed in structural changes; struggle against antisocial behavior, etc. I. Langnas.