Social work practices in religion-based solidarity initiatives in Brussels
In this project we map religion-based solidarity initiatives (RSIs) in Brussels and study how cooperation between RSIs and social work organisations (SWOs) can be improved. In the post-secular society, RSIs play an important role in supporting and assisting people in vulnerable situations. We are conducting extensive field research to map the diversity of RSIs and are setting up an action research project in cooperation with RSIs, SWOs, students, lecturers and researchers. We will also develop training for social workers and social work students.
Social work practices for people with precarious residence status in Brussels: an exploration of religion-based solidarity initiatives
In this project we study the links between religion-based solidarity initiatives (RSIs) and social work organisations (SWOs). Today, the national welfare state does not (yet) have an answer to a number of new challenges in our rapidly changing world. RSIs meet some of these challenges and are becoming increasingly important in the organisation of social support and solidarity. Especially in cities with a lot of diversity, people's religious beliefs are again taking more space in public life.
In the current social context, this trend is often viewed with suspicion. Nevertheless, RSIs have many assets to deal with the challenges of our time. There is a need for substantiation and nuance in the debate on what solidarity should look like. Therefore, in this project we examine what RSIs do in Brussels in their daily practice and how they relate to formal social work. The focus is on the target group of people with a precarious residence status.
Concretely, the project aims to:
- design a template for a (dynamic and interactive) social map of RSIs in Brussels;
- develop customised community service learning modules (for social work students) and training courses (for the Brussels social work field), based on in-depth qualitative field research at Brussels RSIs and SWOs, and
- improve the cooperation between secular and religious forms of solidarity.
Central to this is the idea that we should focus on a social work practice that can bridge and cooperate with RSIs on the basis of complementarity.
Publications (Dutch only)
Meet the researchers
Our partners
Co-promotor: Peter Raeymaeckers, Master's degree in social work (University of Antwerp)
Partners: ORBIT vzw / Kenniscentrum Welzijn, Wonen, Zorg vzw / Foyer vzw