Vulnerability and Capability Processes

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

The curricular unit seeks to reconcile more expository teaching methods with interactive-oriented methodologies centered on the analysis and discussion of texts, case studies and plans of individualized monitoring.

Learning Outcomes

The curricular unit of Vulnerability and Capability Processes (Optional) aims to deepen the knowledge acquired in other obligatory subjects namely Social Contexts of Inequalities and Exclusion. Thus, it is a valuable approach in understanding the dynamics of vulnerability and critical discussion of policies focusing on a mere logic of individual empowerment. At the end of the c. unit the student should be able to: explain the complexity of the vulnerability phenomena and its connection to the contexts of action, understand and discuss the relationship between vulnerability and social suffering and explain its relevance in contemporary societies, understand and explain the potential, limits and perverse effects of policies aimed at individualized training.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Vulnerability and Social Suffering

Concept and dynamics of vulnerability in contemporary societies

The complex notion of social suffering and its social, political, economic and personal relevance

States and situations of vulnerability: the dissociation of the "I" and between "I" and "us"

Vulnerability and social bond: the role of " negotiated rewiring “of Social Work practice

2.Public Policies and capabilities practices

The logic of the personalization of intervention: between responsibility and being responsible

Capabilities and activation policies in the national and European levels

The limits of skills construction and the dynamics of inclusion

The multidimensionality of capabilities: opportunity structures and the personal, family and community assets

3.Capabilities practices in the context of social intervention: constraints, potentials and limits

Capabilities approach and empowerment

Contexts and practices of capacitation (Adult education and training…)

Head Lecturer(s)

Helena da Silva Neves dos Santos Almeida

Assessment Methods

Assessment
An analysis of a case study, proposing a plan of intervention and follow-up : 25.0%
Frequency: 75.0%

Bibliography

Albuquerque, C, Sofrimento Social e política de piedade. Dimensões e controvérsias da inscrição do sofrimento como categoria de acção pública. In J.M. Resende et al. (orgs). Pluralidades Públicas do Público. IPP: CIII,227-241,2011.

Deslauriers, J.P.(2007). Cadre de référence pour l´appropriation du pouvoir d´agir personnel et collectif. Québec:CÉRIS

Geldof D. ,New activation policies: promises and risks, in Linking Welfare and Work,Dublin, EFILWC,1999

Narayan, D.(2002).Empowerment and Poverty Reduction: A Sourcebook. Washington: W Bank

Ninacs, W.A. (2008).Empowerment et intervention: Développment de la capacité d´agir et de la solidarité. Québéc, Presses de l´Université Laval

Sawaia B. B.(org.),As artimanhas da exclusão. Análise psicossocial e ética da desigualdade social. Petrópolis, Ed. Vozes,2006.

Soulet M. H.(éd.),Urgence,Souffrance,Misère. Lutte humanitaire ou politique sociale ?, Fribourg, Éd. Univer., 1998

Thompson, N.(2007). Power and Empowerment.UK: Russel House Publ.