-

-

-

-

In my study I attempted to give a thorough picture of the terminology of social economy, of the evolution of cooperatives in Hungary and of the current situation of social cooperatives both on a national and international level. I focused on the underlying causes of the success or failures of cooperatives. The topic continues to gain importance in the ever more intense economic competition of the present, which in turn results in rapid changes in social inequalities. Intense competition on the market causes increasingly rapid appearances of ever growing numbers of the disadvantaged who no longer possess the resources to break into the primary labour markets. Social cooperatives can be a powerful means to combat these inequalities and to support the integration of their members into the labour market and into wider society. My study aims to analyse the situation of social cooperatives registered in the Northern Great Plain Region of Hungary. I used national databases to focus on and analyse the social cooperatives of the region. My goal was to present the advantages and disadvantages of social cooperatives. To date, I have interviewed the heads of 33 social cooperatives. I processed the findings of my interviews through thematic analysis. I found that considering the low membership of the few available cooperatives within the region the above method would prove the most viable. As part of my work I also aimed to investigate the state of the infrastructure, as well as the leadership, social networks, marketing techniques, financial management, future plans, and the conditions surrounding the formation of each cooperative. My empirical research uncovered a growing dependency on projects and found that working under the local government can lead to violations of principles. On the other hand, cooperation with the local government proved to be beneficial considering the small size of owned capital. Sustainability of social cooperatives is further made more difficult by the negative connotation and biases that came to be attached to the term in the country.

The investigation of social resources that facilitate problem-solving plays a major role in the understanding of internal client migration. This study deals primarily with the investigation of family- and social network in the broader sense by examining the risk factors of the given field. The quality of relationships determine quality of life in general. The intensity, depth and content of these relationships are all important resources in the personal life of the client. Besides these personal relationships, professional supporting relationships that help improve or maintain quality of life play a dominant role in the life of migrating clients. A further aim of the study is to review the literature and methodology of case diagnostics in the field of practice of individual and family-level case work. Thereby, we can interpret the system of lack of resources related to internal client migration and thus we can relocate the focus points of complex supporting work.

The article examines how the growing use of ICT affect social work practice, from online counseling to community work and advocacy. I will discuss the changes required of social workers; what kind of skills, competencies and literacy they need to ensure high quality, professional, value driven, and ethical practice. The question to be answered is: what difficulties are presented when integrating technology, and what can be done to assist both practioner and client to optimally achieve that integration. Examples of current and future utilization opportunities, as well as the strengths of applying new technology in social work practice will be presented. Weaknesses, limitations, contraindications and the potential pitfalls of technology usage will also be discussed. A short introduction to the Hungarian and the international professional policies, standards, guidelines and Codes of Ethics on ICT based social work practice and telemental health will be provided as a framework in which to consider these important questions.

Az Inkluzív nevelés – inkluzív társadalom c. könyvről
Szerkesztette: Semsei Imre – Kovács Klára

-