Guide on conceptual and methodological issues in social work research in the field of human mobility.

Abstract

The Guide on Conceptual and Methodological Issues in Social Work Research in the Field of Human Mobility is a key document of the Global-ANSWER Project, funded by the European Union under the Horizon 2020 program (MSCA-RISE-GA-872209). This guide provides a conceptual and methodological framework for research in social work and human mobility, with the aim of analyzing and identifying good practices in Spain, Italy, and Sweden.

The document is structured into three main sections:

1) Political and institutional framework of human mobility in the EU: This section examines international and European migration policies and legislation, as well as their implementation in Spain, Italy, and Sweden.

2) Social work and welfare services in the context of human mobility: This part explores institutional responses and approaches within social work, focusing on welfare service provision and the integration of migrants and asylum seekers.

3) Conceptualizing good practices in social work and human mobility: The guide defines what constitutes a good practice in this field, based on four key components: coherence, awareness, reflexivity, and sustainability. It also provides methodological guidelines for identifying and analyzing good practices through comparative case studies.

Additionally, the guide introduces the participatory action research approach as a central methodology of the project, promoting collaborative research among academic institutions, local administrations, and third-sector organizations.

This document serves as an essential reference for researchers, social work professionals, and policymakers seeking to enhance responses to human mobility from an ethical, sustainable, and inclusive perspective.