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The Sustainability of Public Social Services: A Qualitative Study

Author

Listed:
  • Ángela María Ortega-Galán

    (Department of Nursing, University of Huelva, 21071 Huelva, Spain)

  • Rocío Ortiz-Amo

    (Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain)

  • Elena Andina-Díaz

    (Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Universidad de León, SALBIS Research Group, EYCC Research Group, 24071 León, Spain)

  • María Dolores Ruiz-Fernández

    (Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain)

Abstract

The 2008 global economic crisis heightened social inequality and drastically reduced equal opportunities for many people. It had negative consequences for social regulation in many European countries, which have dismantled their public social policies. The objective of the study was to describe social workers’ perceptions of their lived experiences in different areas of the public social services system. A qualitative study was developed, based on a hermeneutic approach. Six in-depth interviews and two focus groups were conducted with 20 social workers employed by community social services and the Andalusian public health service (Spain). The professionals agreed that the public social services system has been eroded, that the lack of resources has consequences for workers and the general public alike, and that the public authorities and the administration are responsible for this situation. Social services have become distributors of scarce resources rather than a social protection system that empowers and accompanies the most vulnerable. The system must provide the necessary resources and structures so that they can escape the situation of poverty, exclusion and social injustice.

Suggested Citation

  • Ángela María Ortega-Galán & Rocío Ortiz-Amo & Elena Andina-Díaz & María Dolores Ruiz-Fernández, 2020. "The Sustainability of Public Social Services: A Qualitative Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-11, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:9:p:3860-:d:355790
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Simona Iammarino & Andrés Rodriguez-Pose & Michael Storper, 2019. "Regional inequality in Europe: evidence, theory and policy implications," Journal of Economic Geography, Oxford University Press, vol. 19(2), pages 273-298.
    2. Nicholas Apergis, 2019. "Financial Vulnerability And Income Inequality: New Evidence From Oecd Countries," Bulletin of Monetary Economics and Banking, Bank Indonesia, vol. 21(3), pages 1-14, January.
    3. Avishai Benish & Dana Halevy & Shimon Spiro, 2018. "Regulating social welfare services: Between compliance and learning," International Journal of Social Welfare, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 27(3), pages 226-235, July.
    4. Lizano, Erica L. & Mor Barak, Michalle, 2015. "Job burnout and affective wellbeing: A longitudinal study of burnout and job satisfaction among public child welfare workers," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 18-28.
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    1. Germán Jaraíz Arroyo & Auxiliadora González Portillo, 2020. "Focus on Weaknesses or Strengths? Determining Factors for an Inclusive and Relational Management in Public Community Social Service Organizations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(24), pages 1-14, December.
    2. Orchida Fayez & Hala Ismail & Hadeer Aboelnagah, 2023. "Emerging Virtual Communities of Practice during Crises: A Sustainable Model Validating the Levels of Peer Motivation and Support," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-19, March.

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