Journal:Tiltai
Volume 73, Issue 1 (2016), pp. 83–96
Abstract
Positive orientation has become widely recognized in many scientific fields during the last decade. Possible nature of positive orientation in social work could be derived from positive psychology. However this topic is just starting to be discussed and researched in Lithuania and other European countries. In this article the authors represent complementary social work approaches that are proved as effective in a contradiction to most applied and dominant in practice nowadays problem-oriented model of social work. Therefore, the aim of the article is to overview social work practices as a ground for starting modeling Positive Social Work (PSW). Literature analysis was employed to ground different approaches of social work and set the basis for possible Positive Social Work beginning.
Journal:Tiltai
Volume 69, Issue 4 (2014), pp. 57–70
Abstract
The article advocates the principles of Social Economy (SE) as possibility to develop innovative social technologies for the social cohesion of society in situation of economic breakdown. The concept of Social Economy can be considered as European tradition and challenge for applying and finding sustainable forms of social inclusion on national level. The purpose and the object of the study is to investigate, which spheres and principles of SE are evident in the activities of community initiatives in Latvia thus establishing the recognition level of conceptual understanding and practice of Social Economy in national context among the Third Sector activities in Latvia and specifically non-profit movements. The overview of selected community initiatives showed there are initiatives that could be (1) placed in the sphere of productive economy on the scale of a community (2) by the very marginal people involved in initiatives, (3) administered as small businesses, (4) controlled by the people involved with democratic means of decision-making and (5) supported by social services and social workers, in order to overcome social exclusion.