A qualitative analysis of migrant social workers' work experiences and perceived prejudice from an empowering acculturative integration approach. Issue 3 (4th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hatzidimitriadou, Eleni; Psoinos, Maria
• Is Part Of: European journal of social work. Volume 22:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 472
• Page End: 484
• Publication Date: 2019-05-04
• Subjects: Migrant social workers -- acculturative integration -- professional development -- perceived prejudice; μετανάστες κοινωνικοί λειτουργοί -- επιπολιτισμός -- επαγγελματική εξέλιξη -- αντίληψη προκατάληψης; Social service -- Europe -- Periodicals; Social service -- Vocational guidance -- Europe -- Periodicals; 361.3209405
• DOI: 10.1080/13691457.2017.1366299
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-1457

Abstract

ABSTRACT: An increasing number of migrant social workers are employed in the UK social work sector. This article explores the acculturative integration experiences of a small group of migrant social workers. We critically observe that research on migrant professionals' trajectories should adopt theories that emphasise people's empowerment and potential for agency. We use a framework drawing on liberation psychology for analysing the autobiographical narratives of a sample of migrant social workers employed in England. Findings indicate that the participants perceived prejudice on a number of occasions and circumstances. Even though in their narrative of survival they talked about activating several psychosocial resources, they were skeptical about their professional development and dissatisfied at work. The paper discusses the emerging findings while highlighting the framework's relevance for understanding these experiences from an empowering acculturation perspective and suggesting ways of improving migrant social workers' acculturative integration by addressing systemic barriers.