Ideellt socialt arbete - för CV:t eller medmänniskan?

Sammanfattning: The aim of this study was to understand students' of social work participation in non-profit social work through examining which external and internal variables students of social work themselves defined as important factors when deciding to commit to non-profit social work. This study is based on semi-structured interviews with eight students of social work concerning their engagement in non-profit social work. The results of these interviews are understood through an analysis of five reoccurring patterns which were identified as important factors affecting the students' decision to commit, but also whether they would continue to be involved in non-profit social work. These factors were; Social Network, Perceived Expectations, Identity, Target Group and Expressed Motives. The analysis is based on three different theories concerning acts of disinterestedness, the generalized other and vocabularies of motives. In conclusion, the study indicates how a number of factors such as social network, upbringing, political values and beliefs interoperate to motivate a non-profit engagement. In addition to these factors which could be assumed to be valid for a non-specific population, we identified specific presumptions concerning students of social work in non-profit social work.