Kunskap om kultur – ett bidrag till en ökad medvetenhet om sig själv och andra : Socialsekreterares syn på betydelsen av kunskap om kultur i socialt arbete

Sammanfattning: The purpose of this study is to examine how social workers look at the importance of knowledge of culture in social work. A qualitative interview study was used in which five social workers were interviewed. The results were then analyzed based on previous research and culture as a theoretical framework. The study shows that social workers believe that knowledge of culture is of great importance in their practical social work. Knowledge of culture was seen as a contribute to a further understanding of different circumstances of the clients. Social workers were found to have different views on the extent of their knowledge of culture as some felt that their knowledge is sufficient to be able to perform good social work, while others thought that they are in need of more knowledge. The social workers own culture were seen by some as an important part in meeting with clients, while others were not at all aware of their own culture and its influence on their work.