THE HIERARCHY AND TYPOLOGY OF FAMILY SOCIAL SUPPORT NETWORKS AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL SERVICES

Ivana Loučková,Alice Gojová

doi:10.12955/cbup.v4.772

Abstract

This article examines the importance of family social support networks and their implications for social services. Social support networks are a significant factor in effective assistance to families. This research uses an integrated strategy and factor analysis to identify stakeholders of social support services and the extent in which these services are considered important by families in terms of solving their problems. Our findings show that assistance to families is expected in three levels. The first involves direct interpersonal relationships (between family members and friends) and when this level fails, the network of professionals and experts is the next provider. An effective network of support services to families "stands and falls" with active family relationships. Where family relationships are absent or dysfunctional, they are compensated by second and third levels of this support. In a developed network of support services, social workers should have tools available to support all three levels. In view of these findings, a trend emphasizing approaches in favor of families solving their own problems rather than professional dominance of such is worth investigating.

Highlights

According to Beck (2007), the transition of society into the second era of modernity brings with it a commensurate loss of stability, a "breaking from the natural order," and the arrival of an “at-risk society,” which is reflected in the increasing fragility of the family, the aging of the general population, and a decline in solidarity within society (Keller, 2012)
Entry into the era of the twenty-first century does not alter the fact that the roots of stability for the individual resonates in a family, and there are currently diverse forms of partner coexistence and communities, there is no doubt that families, especially families with children, are the elementary unit of society
Different services, including social services offered to families, ensure the minimization of risks to the family and its functionality

Summary

Introduction

According to Beck (2007), the transition of society into the second era of modernity brings with it a commensurate loss of stability, a "breaking from the natural order," and the arrival of an “at-risk society,” which is reflected in the increasing fragility of the family, the aging of the general population, and a decline in solidarity within society (Keller, 2012).According to other authors (Taylor-Gooby, 2004; Keller, 2012; Sirovátka & Winkler, 2010), new social risks will significantly affect families, especially single parent families, which, due to family break-ups, involve children in custodial arrangements, or that which is often termed “patchwork” families, an example of recognizing pluralism in family life situations (Beck & Beck-Gernsheim, 2004). Entry into the era of the twenty-first century does not alter the fact that the roots of stability for the individual resonates in a family, and there are currently diverse forms of partner coexistence and communities, there is no doubt that families, especially families with children, are the elementary unit of society. Different services, including social services offered to families, ensure the minimization of risks to the family and its functionality. The development of such services is a response to the break-up of families, which is common, and the increase of individualization in society, but, paradoxically, it is expected in times of crisis and with weakening of the welfare state

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