Kunskapssyn och kunskapsanvändning

The purpose of this study is to enlighten the sense and usage of knowledge in the context of social work. The study has a qualitative approach and is based on semi structured interviews with three social workers that are qualified and three other social workers whose work is bases on their experience as a former client. Earlier studies show that social workers in Sweden has mixed feelings about the usage of scientifically approved methods and theories in their practical work. They are more often referring to their individual experience rather than their education as their source of knowledge in their practical work regardless of educational background. My conclusion about the difference between qualified and unqualified social workers is that the educated social workers tend to work in organizations that more often demand a certain view and practical use of knowledge and that often results in trying to express themselves in line with the organization. Therefor it is hard to pinpoint exactly what their true thought about especially practical knowledge as a subject are. What appears to be the case with both qualified and unqualified social workers is that they tend to use themselves and their colleagues as a source of knowledge at the same time as they try to adapt to the cultures of their work. Furthermore, this study brings up relevant aspects of relation, freedom of action and organization and how they in some ways control and form the social work of these six individuals