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Negotiating the Accessibility of Help: Signposting and Boundary Work in Social Services’ Online Interactions

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  • Nataliya Thell

    (School of Social Work, Lund University, Sweden)

Abstract

Easy, low‐threshold access is widely regarded as a major advantage of online services. In Sweden, several municipalities are striving to increase the accessibility of their social services by responding to anonymous users online. This article considers the nature of the accessibility of these online services. Two online platforms were studied: (quasi‐)synchronous online chats and asynchronous online enquiry forms. Online chat logs and question form exchanges were closely analysed using conversation analysis. Accessibility of online services was approached through the concept of boundary work, focusing on how social workers navigate the constraints of what they can and cannot do when responding to anonymous users online. The analysis revealed that users seeking personalised advice or requesting immediate interventions were redirected to instead contact the local social services in person. When directing users to seek help elsewhere, social workers invoked constraints in their online role to account for not providing the requested help. The study’s findings are discussed in terms of the unmet expectations of online users due to limitations in the remit of online social workers. Although online facilities made social workers technically accessible, the range of services available online was limited to providing information and general guidance.

Suggested Citation

  • Nataliya Thell, 2025. "Negotiating the Accessibility of Help: Signposting and Boundary Work in Social Services’ Online Interactions," Social Inclusion, Cogitatio Press, vol. 13.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:socinc:v13:y:2025:a:10465
    DOI: 10.17645/si.10465
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pedersen, Pia Vivian & Hjelmar, Ulf & Høybye, Mette Terp & Rod, Morten Hulvej, 2017. "Can inequality be tamed through boundary work? A qualitative study of health promotion aimed at reducing health inequalities," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 185(C), pages 1-8.
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