To organize silence: A qualitative study on unequal working conditions for female managers in social services.

Research QuestionManagers in social services are typically women. With a significant worker turnover, the sector is under intense strain. External pressure on the group includes threats, violence, and disinformation activities. The authority´s stability depends on managers´ ability to problematize ethical dilemmas.

Silence tactics in social services do exist, however.

It is especially crucial to investigate the working environment in social services from a gender standpoint, with an emphasis on silence practices.

The study contextualizes the organizational work climate for female managers to better understand how the practice of silence impacts women´s ability to carry out their mission.Data and MethodThe design is qualitative. Such study is in request in the field of knowledge. Data collection will take place in two ways: in logbooks and in focus groups over time.

It allows you to follow the managers in situ for an extended period of time. Snowball selection and gatekeepers to recruit participants. Managers maintain logbooks of critical incidents. In parallell of a 12-month period, four focus groups will be conducted. Focus groups create a common image of patterns and contrasts in experiences.

The combination of logbooks and focus groups allows for multiple levels of analysis in the studies.Societal Relevance and utilisaitionSocial services are important authorities whose stability supports society.

Knowledge of gender-based silence techniques, which effect decision-making and working climate, are needed but insufficient.

The link between research and practice is strengthened through communication and anchoring of the results with the reference group that will be recruited for the project.Plan for projekt realizationI have over 20-years of experience as a practitioner, performing activities such as managerial supervision and risk evaluations for workplace abuse.

This background has given me distinct practical knowledge. The project is an extension of my doctoral thesis, providing a solid framework for carrying out this research.

A qualitative approach helps to make visible the experiences of female managers on silence practice which are difficult to capture using quantitative methods and necessitate knowledge with an often hidden problem.

A reference group made up of actors from academics and practicionars will serve as a sounding board and contribute w/ important perspectives. En ethics application will be conducted.