Social work responses to food poverty in Sweden: A qualitative study applying the concept of stigma. (19th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rost, Stephanie; Lundälv, Jorgen
• Is Part Of: British journal of social work. Volume 52:Number 5(2022)
• Page Start: 2689
• Page End: 2706
• Publication Date: 2021-11-19
• Subjects: food insecurity -- food poverty -- social work practice -- stigma -- Sweden -- welfare state; Social service -- Periodicals; Social workers -- Periodicals; 361
• DOI: 10.1093/bjsw/bcab228
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-3102

Abstract

Summary: Food poverty is a term not traditionally associated with Sweden. Having a reputation of egalitarianism and a strong welfare state, there exists a scarcity of literature even identifying it as an issue and the Swedish government appears to suggest it does not exist. However, social work agencies both voluntary and statutory identify that food poverty does indeed exist in Sweden, and that it is a growing phenomenon. This study interviewed a cross-section of people who work in civil society with social issues, in semi-structured interviews to discuss their perspectives on the problem itself and also their interventions at an individual level to those in need. These were then coded and thematically analysed and discussed in four themes using the theoretical framework of stigma as defined by anthropological and sociological researcher Erving Goffman. The results illustrate a differing strategy and capacity in supporting individuals due to limitations by the state. This appears to be reinforced by a culture of stigma and shame regarding food poverty, which affects how and in what ways people seek help, and suggests that the institutionalised nature of statutory social work may be limiting the ability of social workers to support the most vulnerable. Abstract : Food poverty appears to be a growing phenomenon in Sweden, which those in social work agencies address in a variety of ways. This study examines through the theoretical framework of stigma the current reality of food poverty in Sweden.The results indicate that social policies that underpin social services, systemic barriers as well as the stigmatisation of food poverty in Sweden all play a part in not only the existence of the problem, but also the obstacles to interventions.