Welfare Mix and Postmodernism in the Work of Social Service Providers: Toward a New Compatible Methodology

Transition from welfare state (public-centered welfare regulation) to welfare mix (market regulation) is already well under way in Western societies, though there is still some overlapping between the two policies (lib/lab). The neoliberal route seems inescapable because it reflects the wider societal trends toward postmodernity. Many authors maintain that full liberalism means full postmodernity. This paper claims that the "true" postmodernity, in the welfare fields, goes beyond liberalism & seems to be relational, as Donati argues. In social care, market logic may improve the efficiency & quality of service providers, thanks to competition & a more attentive consideration of consumers' needs. But human well-being does not seem to be the result of unilateral supply. It appears to be a shared construction that emerges through locally situated interactive dynamics. The present paper describes the relational foundations of an unconventional theory of social work that places strong emphasis on interactive concepts. Social workers are seen as competent observers of natural coping networking processes, namely, interpersonal relationships held together by (if things go well) mutuality & collaboration. They should be considered as guides of the networks in which they act. Networking theory states that professional workers act toward their interlocutors (not users or consumers) in full reciprocity. The postmodern expert engages with them in a shared ongoing learning process. 95 References. Adapted from the source document.