'One does one's best': performing deservingness in income support case records. (30th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fernqvist, Stina
• Is Part Of: Critical and radical social work. Volume 6:Number 3(2018)
• Page Start: 329
• Page End: 343
• Publication Date: 2018-11-30
• Subjects: INCOME SUPPORT -- DESERVINGNESS -- FUNCTIONALITY -- PROPRIETY -- PARENTS; Social service -- Periodicals; 361.305
• DOI: 10.1332/204986018X15321001889969
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2049-8608

Abstract

Abstract : Drawing on theory and previous research on categorisation processes in social work practice, this article discusses how parents are portrayed in Swedish social services records on eviction risk and focuses on how these individuals are constructed as clients with regards to notions of financial propriety. The data consist of 37 income support case records, and the analysis of these texts suggests that (dis)ability and economic hardship often constitute two unconnected narratives in these data and that performative features of financial propriety and deservingness are often accentuated in these processes. It is argued that financial difficulties are primarily linked to the client's perceived general inability to handle money, even in cases where the client's cognitive difficulties could be relevant in order to understand the financial situation. On a practical level, this may make it difficult for the client to get proper and proactive support in relation to financial problems.