The effects of the economic crisis and managerialism in social work: a study of working practices and relationship reshaping

Abstract

Introduction. This paper explores some of the recent transformations in social work in Italy, against the backdrop of the economic crisis and the processes of rationalization. Specifically, the aim is to understand the relationship between managerialism and professional autonomy in social work. Methodology. The article presents a qualitative study conducted in Northern Italy through 40 interviews with practitioners and managers from two different services. A comparative analysis of the representations of labor practices was performed. Results. Managerialism has direct consequences on social workers’ professional practices. Efforts to achieve efficiency have led to the standardization of work and curtailed professional autonomy. Bureaucratic tasks have encroached on working time, leaving less time for professional relations. Discussion and conclusions. The rise of managerialism can deplete the ethical content of social work practice. However, empirical data show that there is no confrontation between managers and practitioners, and that there are no signs of collective strategies of resistance to the risk of de-professionalization.