Abstract
This presentation examines social service research as a political practice. Drawing on Rancière’s distinction between the police order and the political, it explores how research can challenge dominant assumptions and create space for excluded voices. It connects de-intellectualisation in society, universities and social services to processes of depoliticisation, questioning claims of neutrality. Research questions, methodologies and the dissemination of findings emerge as political choices with implications for epistemic justice. The presentation argues for rigorous, reflexive research that engages with power and disagreement, while resisting romanticised accounts of participation and co-creation.
About the speaker
Rudi Roose studied social pedagogy and criminology. He holds a PD in Educational Sciences. He is currently affiliated as professor of social work at Ghent University, where he is chair of the social work program. His research interest focuses on the development of political social work practices and resistance to ideas of order in social work. He is editor-in chief of the European Journal of Social Work and chair of The International Social Work & Society Academy (TiSSA).
About the organiser
The Interdisciplinary Doctoral School of Social Services (DocSoc360°) is a doctoral education network formed by seven Finnish universities and is part of an extensive national reform of doctoral education. The aim of the pilot is to strengthen social services based on research. The network connects researchers in social work, social policy, education, health sciences, administrative sciences, management, law and communications to examine social services in a multidisciplinary way and from several perspectives.
