Abstracts and Short bios
I. Keynote speakers
Covid-19 and the infrapolitics of power: Implications for social work
Vishanthie Sewpaul
Abstract
Covid-19, a small invisible virus, is traversing the universe, threadbare in some and stronger in other parts of the world both in magnitude and in response. No country, sector or person is left untouched, with an all too often cruel choice having to be made between saving lives or saving livelihoods. As the virus is wreaking havoc across borders, we appreciate just how interconnected our world is, with challenges to even the most advanced economies of the world. Covid-19 is invading the spaces within which people breathe, live, learn, love, marry, work, play, and die. But these personal spaces exist within the spaces of the infrapolitics of power. The fissures of the social fault lines based on social criteria such as nationality, race, class, gender, (dis)ability and sexuality are running far deeper than we could have imagined, with human costs that are inconceivable. With neo-colonialism, neoliberal capitalism, and new public management practices we see rupturing inequalities, unprecedent internal and cross border migration, conflicts and crises, and climate change that have brought the earth to its brink, as societies value what they measure instead of measuring what they value. In this paper I discuss how planetary and social imbalances are exacerbating each other; the imaginings of a bolder, braver, and a more equitable and sustainable world, and the implications of these for social work education, research and practice.
Short bio
Professor Vishanthie Sewpaul (PhD), an awardee of three honorary doctoral degrees from Chile, Norway and Sweden, is a globally recognized social work and human rights scholar, international speaker and activist. She held leadership positions at institutional, national, regional and global levels, and visiting professorship positions at numerous international universities. She chaired the following committees on behalf of the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW): Global Standards for SW Education and Training (2004); Global SW Definition (2014) and the Global SW Statement of Ethical Principles (2018). She is currently the world coordinator for a conference to be co-hosted by three global social work/social development organisations in 2024. She was senior professor at the University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa where she remains Emeritus Professor, and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Stavanger, Norway. She has over 100 academic publications and has recently completed her memoir titled, The Arc of Our Paths: Growing into Wholeness.
Vishanthie Sewpaul
Abstract
Covid-19, a small invisible virus, is traversing the universe, threadbare in some and stronger in other parts of the world both in magnitude and in response. No country, sector or person is left untouched, with an all too often cruel choice having to be made between saving lives or saving livelihoods. As the virus is wreaking havoc across borders, we appreciate just how interconnected our world is, with challenges to even the most advanced economies of the world. Covid-19 is invading the spaces within which people breathe, live, learn, love, marry, work, play, and die. But these personal spaces exist within the spaces of the infrapolitics of power. The fissures of the social fault lines based on social criteria such as nationality, race, class, gender, (dis)ability and sexuality are running far deeper than we could have imagined, with human costs that are inconceivable. With neo-colonialism, neoliberal capitalism, and new public management practices we see rupturing inequalities, unprecedent internal and cross border migration, conflicts and crises, and climate change that have brought the earth to its brink, as societies value what they measure instead of measuring what they value. In this paper I discuss how planetary and social imbalances are exacerbating each other; the imaginings of a bolder, braver, and a more equitable and sustainable world, and the implications of these for social work education, research and practice.
Short bio
Professor Vishanthie Sewpaul (PhD), an awardee of three honorary doctoral degrees from Chile, Norway and Sweden, is a globally recognized social work and human rights scholar, international speaker and activist. She held leadership positions at institutional, national, regional and global levels, and visiting professorship positions at numerous international universities. She chaired the following committees on behalf of the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW): Global Standards for SW Education and Training (2004); Global SW Definition (2014) and the Global SW Statement of Ethical Principles (2018). She is currently the world coordinator for a conference to be co-hosted by three global social work/social development organisations in 2024. She was senior professor at the University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa where she remains Emeritus Professor, and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Stavanger, Norway. She has over 100 academic publications and has recently completed her memoir titled, The Arc of Our Paths: Growing into Wholeness.
Social Work and Information and Communication Technologies. Development and Innovation
Jorge Ferreira
Abstract
We live in the age of the information society, which means for all professional areas, the need for new knowledge and the acquisition of digital skills promoting new methodological developments with an impact on social responses and services, improving people's quality of life.
During the COVID-19 period, Portugal was confronted with a health and social crisis, but also with a change in work methodologies. We have seen great difficulties in the social sector derived from the low knowledge and mastery of digital skills facilitating the functional adaptability of the professional in a fast and ethically appropriate way to an emergency context.
With this article we seek to contribute with knowledge to the deepening of the collaborative model in the field of social intervention with the inclusion of information and communication technologies.
Our goal is to introduce in the reflection, the knowledge produced by the social practices, during the contingency period derived from the COVID - 19, more focused on the technical dimension of the intervention and response process, with the aim of improving the services provided to users and the application of person-centered methodologies, of digital scope.
We intend to reflect on the results of research/development of uses of Big Data, through online Social and opportunistic Sensing, systematizing knowledge for Social Work, through various methods of machine learning and network science.
We deepen the basic concepts of E- Social Work literacy and or Digital Social Work, in a relationship of commitment to ICTs. Systematizing skills and digital tools applied to social intervention.
We also intend in this article to stimulate critical reflection on the methodological process of digital social intervention in the framework of data protection and the ethical and ethical dimensions of Social Work.
We seek to contribute with knowledge to the promotion of a new reconfiguration of the identity and practices of Social Work in the transition to collaborative models of action and digital interprofessional focus.
Keywords: social world; communication; information tecnologies.
Short bio
Associate professor at Lisbon University, ISCTE
Jorge Ferreira
Abstract
We live in the age of the information society, which means for all professional areas, the need for new knowledge and the acquisition of digital skills promoting new methodological developments with an impact on social responses and services, improving people's quality of life.
During the COVID-19 period, Portugal was confronted with a health and social crisis, but also with a change in work methodologies. We have seen great difficulties in the social sector derived from the low knowledge and mastery of digital skills facilitating the functional adaptability of the professional in a fast and ethically appropriate way to an emergency context.
With this article we seek to contribute with knowledge to the deepening of the collaborative model in the field of social intervention with the inclusion of information and communication technologies.
Our goal is to introduce in the reflection, the knowledge produced by the social practices, during the contingency period derived from the COVID - 19, more focused on the technical dimension of the intervention and response process, with the aim of improving the services provided to users and the application of person-centered methodologies, of digital scope.
We intend to reflect on the results of research/development of uses of Big Data, through online Social and opportunistic Sensing, systematizing knowledge for Social Work, through various methods of machine learning and network science.
We deepen the basic concepts of E- Social Work literacy and or Digital Social Work, in a relationship of commitment to ICTs. Systematizing skills and digital tools applied to social intervention.
We also intend in this article to stimulate critical reflection on the methodological process of digital social intervention in the framework of data protection and the ethical and ethical dimensions of Social Work.
We seek to contribute with knowledge to the promotion of a new reconfiguration of the identity and practices of Social Work in the transition to collaborative models of action and digital interprofessional focus.
Keywords: social world; communication; information tecnologies.
Short bio
Associate professor at Lisbon University, ISCTE
Gaming in Portugal 2020: Women in Digital Games and the impact of covid-19
Patrícia Gouveia et al. (Luciana Lima, Camila Pinto)
Abstract
In the keynote talk named Gaming in Portugal 2020: Women in digital games and the impact of Covid-19 some of the activities carried out under a five-year partnership between the Fine Arts Faculty (FBAUL) and the Engineering Technical Institute (IST) at Lisbon University (UL) will be presented. The events culminate in 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic forced teachers and students to adopt different work methodologies that took advantage of digital technologies. The talk addresses participatory design strategies and a tradition of critical and interdisciplinary studies in humanities mediated by online platforms. It will also be presented an ongoing qualitative arts-based research about women in the digital gaming industry during the impact of Covid-19. A group of three researchers, Patrícia Gouveia, Luciana Lima, and Camila Pinto tried to identify what were the immediate effects of COVID-19 for women working in the Portuguese digital gaming industry. This research will show changes in their routines during and after the lockdown in Portugal. Between September and October 2020, a total of seven Portuguese women who had employment contracts with companies in the digital game industry were interviewed. The three main changes reported by them during the ongoing pandemic were the following: a., replacement of travel time by work/leisure-related activities (playing games and volunteering activities); b., saving time and money by no longer having to travel from home to work; c., changes in spatial reorganization of the household, as all family members were also forced to stay at home. Workers in the digital gaming sector could lead us to improve in terms of a digital transition, which allows a greater inclusion of needy citizens.
Keywords: women; gaming; pandemic; digital transition; Portugal.
Short bio
Patrícia Gouveia is Associate Professor at Lisbon University Fine Arts Faculty [Faculdade de Belas-Artes da Universidade de Lisboa]. Integrated member of ITI – Interactive Technologies Institute /LARSyS, Laboratory for Robotics and Engineering Systems, IST. Co-curator of the Playmode exhibition (MAAT 2016-2019). Works in Multimedia Arts and Design since the nineties. Her research focuses on playable media, interactive fiction, and digital arts as a place of convergence between cinema, music, games, arts, and design. Previously she was Associate Professor at the Interactive Media (Games and Animation) degree at Noroff University College (2014-16) in Kristiansand, Norway. Invited Assistant Professor at FCSH/UNL (2007-14) and Assistant Professor at ULHT (2008-13) both in Lisbon. From 2006 to 2014 Patrícia edited the blog Mouseland. In 2010 she published the book Digital Arts and Games, Aesthetic and Design of Ludic Experience [Artes e Jogos Digitais, Estética e Design da Experiência Lúdica] (ed. Universitárias Lusófonas), a synthesis of her doctoral thesis and some articles she published. More information here: https://fbaul.academia.edu/PatriciaGouveia/CurriculumVitae.
Patrícia Gouveia et al. (Luciana Lima, Camila Pinto)
Abstract
In the keynote talk named Gaming in Portugal 2020: Women in digital games and the impact of Covid-19 some of the activities carried out under a five-year partnership between the Fine Arts Faculty (FBAUL) and the Engineering Technical Institute (IST) at Lisbon University (UL) will be presented. The events culminate in 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic forced teachers and students to adopt different work methodologies that took advantage of digital technologies. The talk addresses participatory design strategies and a tradition of critical and interdisciplinary studies in humanities mediated by online platforms. It will also be presented an ongoing qualitative arts-based research about women in the digital gaming industry during the impact of Covid-19. A group of three researchers, Patrícia Gouveia, Luciana Lima, and Camila Pinto tried to identify what were the immediate effects of COVID-19 for women working in the Portuguese digital gaming industry. This research will show changes in their routines during and after the lockdown in Portugal. Between September and October 2020, a total of seven Portuguese women who had employment contracts with companies in the digital game industry were interviewed. The three main changes reported by them during the ongoing pandemic were the following: a., replacement of travel time by work/leisure-related activities (playing games and volunteering activities); b., saving time and money by no longer having to travel from home to work; c., changes in spatial reorganization of the household, as all family members were also forced to stay at home. Workers in the digital gaming sector could lead us to improve in terms of a digital transition, which allows a greater inclusion of needy citizens.
Keywords: women; gaming; pandemic; digital transition; Portugal.
Short bio
Patrícia Gouveia is Associate Professor at Lisbon University Fine Arts Faculty [Faculdade de Belas-Artes da Universidade de Lisboa]. Integrated member of ITI – Interactive Technologies Institute /LARSyS, Laboratory for Robotics and Engineering Systems, IST. Co-curator of the Playmode exhibition (MAAT 2016-2019). Works in Multimedia Arts and Design since the nineties. Her research focuses on playable media, interactive fiction, and digital arts as a place of convergence between cinema, music, games, arts, and design. Previously she was Associate Professor at the Interactive Media (Games and Animation) degree at Noroff University College (2014-16) in Kristiansand, Norway. Invited Assistant Professor at FCSH/UNL (2007-14) and Assistant Professor at ULHT (2008-13) both in Lisbon. From 2006 to 2014 Patrícia edited the blog Mouseland. In 2010 she published the book Digital Arts and Games, Aesthetic and Design of Ludic Experience [Artes e Jogos Digitais, Estética e Design da Experiência Lúdica] (ed. Universitárias Lusófonas), a synthesis of her doctoral thesis and some articles she published. More information here: https://fbaul.academia.edu/PatriciaGouveia/CurriculumVitae.
The contribution of social work to the re-construction of post-Covid societies
Walter Lorenz
Abstract
The Corona pandemic has drastically evidenced existing fault lines in the global system of societies. While the crisis has certainly posed unexpected challenges of the health protection of citizens in conjunction with their social and economic welfare, responding to these challenges lastingly will be particularly difficult because it requires a total reversal of prevailing social, economic and political presumptions. These had been characterised by a consistent dismantling of collective state responsibilities for welfare and with that by a dissolution of social cohesion through a reliance on private market processes, a trend which governments had to reverse frantically. If this reversal is to lead to sustainable social policy developments these need to take account of the following core competences of social work:
Short bio:
Walter Lorenz was professor of social work at University College, Cork in Ireland (1978-2001) and at the Free University of Bozen / Bolzano in Italy (2001-2017) where he served also two 4-year terms as Rector. He is currently contract professor at Charles University Prague. A native of Germany, he qualified as a social worker at the London School of Economics and practised this profession for 8 years in East London. His research interests and publications cover anti-racism practice and current and historical aspects of European social work and social policy. He co-founded the journals “European Journal of Social Work” and “Social Work & Society”. He was awarded honorary doctorates from the universities of Ghent and Aalborg.
Walter Lorenz
Abstract
The Corona pandemic has drastically evidenced existing fault lines in the global system of societies. While the crisis has certainly posed unexpected challenges of the health protection of citizens in conjunction with their social and economic welfare, responding to these challenges lastingly will be particularly difficult because it requires a total reversal of prevailing social, economic and political presumptions. These had been characterised by a consistent dismantling of collective state responsibilities for welfare and with that by a dissolution of social cohesion through a reliance on private market processes, a trend which governments had to reverse frantically. If this reversal is to lead to sustainable social policy developments these need to take account of the following core competences of social work:
- Social work interventions aim always at inclusion and in that sense the inversion of “social distancing” which became the paradigmatic state of isolation during the crisis. Building on additional experiences on how to achieve this during the pandemic, the continuing task will be how to reconcile the need for social relations with the necessities of health protection and hence a balance of care and control.
- Being specialists in human relations in situations of crisis, social workers also have a special way of dealing with uncertainty not on account of an insecure knowledge basis of the discipline but as a result of a scientific engagement with complexity and an emphasis on transformative knowledge.
- Combating social inequality, which is grossly exacerbated by the crisis, for social workers is never just a matter of helping individuals to cope with and improve their personal situation but involves also political processes of striving for the realisation of human rights as expressed in social work’s Global Agenda.
- The crisis has directed attention to the importance of mental health and particularly to the link between personal well-being and structural conditions which need to be addressed simultaneously with therapeutic help for individuals.
Short bio:
Walter Lorenz was professor of social work at University College, Cork in Ireland (1978-2001) and at the Free University of Bozen / Bolzano in Italy (2001-2017) where he served also two 4-year terms as Rector. He is currently contract professor at Charles University Prague. A native of Germany, he qualified as a social worker at the London School of Economics and practised this profession for 8 years in East London. His research interests and publications cover anti-racism practice and current and historical aspects of European social work and social policy. He co-founded the journals “European Journal of Social Work” and “Social Work & Society”. He was awarded honorary doctorates from the universities of Ghent and Aalborg.
II.Other participating speakers
The Pandemic Society
Agostino Cera
Abstract
My paper aims to sketch to idea of a pandemic society, that is to emphasize the not occasional link among “network”, “technology” and “pandemic” as potential characterization of the word “society” (i.e. of our society). In particular, I will try to clarify in what sense the network society (i.e. the hypothesis that “networks represent the new social morphology of our societies”, according to Manuel Castells’ definition), inherently equates to a techno-society or Gestell-society, rather a mere technological society. By “Gestell-society” (according to Heidegger’s definition of technology as Gestell/Enframing) I mean a social and epochal framework within which technology emerges as the authentic “subject of history” (Günther Anders). Starting from these assumptions I will also try to clarify why its constitutive technological vocation could transform the network society – i.e., a globalized network society – into a pandemic society: an ideal incubator of pandemic phenomena. If the homologation/homogenization emerges as the necessary premise of a safe globalized interconnection, then in the shell of the network society could hide the seed of an anesthetized/sterilized society. In particular axiologically sterilized, that is a society entirely inspired to the performance principle and the logic of efficiency. As a result, the real face of the pandemic society proves to be that of a unary society: a social and epochal framework immunized against the difference, i.e. unable to tolerate any form of authentic otherness. The unary society gives birth to an accomplished form of nihilism where “all is one” (or better “all becomes one”), that is something near to Byung-Chul Han’s “transparency society”: an “inferno of the same”, where the Other turns into an Alien and finally, as Alien, into an Enemy. The real virus from which a pandemic society has to defend itself is the difference. From an anthropological perspective, the pandemic society corresponds to the framework within which the human type “Bartleby” (that is, someone who could affirm “I would prefer not to”) becomes impossible.
Keywords: pandemic; network society; philosophy of technology; Manuel Castells; Martin Heidegger; Bartleby.
Short bio
Agostino Cera BIO PhD in philosophy at the University of Naples “Federico II”, currently I am Adjunct Professor of Phenomenology of the Image at the Academy of Fine Arts of Naples (Italy) and Research Fellow at the Department of Humanities of the University of Naples “Federico II” (Italy). From 2014 to 2019 I was Adjunct Professor of Theoretical Philosophy at the University of Basilicata (Italy). I work on Continental Philosophy between XIX and XX Century (especially German philosophy: Löwith, Heidegger, Anders, Nietzsche); Philosophy of Technology; Philosophical Anthropology; Philosophy of Film. Recently I also deal with the philosophical implications of the Anthropocene. For several years I am working on the proposal of a philosophical anthropology of technology, which I have called Philosophy of Technology in the Nominative Case (TECNOM). Further information on my work here: https://accademiadinapoli.academia.edu/agostinocera
Agostino Cera
Abstract
My paper aims to sketch to idea of a pandemic society, that is to emphasize the not occasional link among “network”, “technology” and “pandemic” as potential characterization of the word “society” (i.e. of our society). In particular, I will try to clarify in what sense the network society (i.e. the hypothesis that “networks represent the new social morphology of our societies”, according to Manuel Castells’ definition), inherently equates to a techno-society or Gestell-society, rather a mere technological society. By “Gestell-society” (according to Heidegger’s definition of technology as Gestell/Enframing) I mean a social and epochal framework within which technology emerges as the authentic “subject of history” (Günther Anders). Starting from these assumptions I will also try to clarify why its constitutive technological vocation could transform the network society – i.e., a globalized network society – into a pandemic society: an ideal incubator of pandemic phenomena. If the homologation/homogenization emerges as the necessary premise of a safe globalized interconnection, then in the shell of the network society could hide the seed of an anesthetized/sterilized society. In particular axiologically sterilized, that is a society entirely inspired to the performance principle and the logic of efficiency. As a result, the real face of the pandemic society proves to be that of a unary society: a social and epochal framework immunized against the difference, i.e. unable to tolerate any form of authentic otherness. The unary society gives birth to an accomplished form of nihilism where “all is one” (or better “all becomes one”), that is something near to Byung-Chul Han’s “transparency society”: an “inferno of the same”, where the Other turns into an Alien and finally, as Alien, into an Enemy. The real virus from which a pandemic society has to defend itself is the difference. From an anthropological perspective, the pandemic society corresponds to the framework within which the human type “Bartleby” (that is, someone who could affirm “I would prefer not to”) becomes impossible.
Keywords: pandemic; network society; philosophy of technology; Manuel Castells; Martin Heidegger; Bartleby.
Short bio
Agostino Cera BIO PhD in philosophy at the University of Naples “Federico II”, currently I am Adjunct Professor of Phenomenology of the Image at the Academy of Fine Arts of Naples (Italy) and Research Fellow at the Department of Humanities of the University of Naples “Federico II” (Italy). From 2014 to 2019 I was Adjunct Professor of Theoretical Philosophy at the University of Basilicata (Italy). I work on Continental Philosophy between XIX and XX Century (especially German philosophy: Löwith, Heidegger, Anders, Nietzsche); Philosophy of Technology; Philosophical Anthropology; Philosophy of Film. Recently I also deal with the philosophical implications of the Anthropocene. For several years I am working on the proposal of a philosophical anthropology of technology, which I have called Philosophy of Technology in the Nominative Case (TECNOM). Further information on my work here: https://accademiadinapoli.academia.edu/agostinocera
The new social world of communication - digital transformation during the pandemic time
Ana Branca Soeiro de Carvalho
Abstract
The pandemic forced us to take an extraordinary digital leap in our everyday life and practices. How organizations have had to adjust to a new normal, is nowadays problem (Davison, 2020). Currently, more than structural reforms, coordinated policies are important. Above all, it is necessary to invest in the interoperability of services. Organizations have had to adopt new information Technology (IT) systems during the pandemic. At the very least, many are required to implement alternative workspaces in order to comply with social distancing requirements (Leidner, 2020; Nguyen et al, 2020; O’Leary, 2020). Several have had to rethink their business model, moving to online services and products and engaging in new networking systems.
The main question of this study is: how can the digital transformation support the new social world of communication, during the pandemic time?
The new process theory presents a derivate sociological theory on the implementation, embedding and integration of the new technologies and organizational innovations (May Finch, 2009).
Is important to think how organizations adjust to the new normal, and how they use IT in many aspects as organizational, behavioral, temporal and societal (AgerfalK, 2020). These new technology practices will now form part of the new normal. Digital transformation is important to demonstrate how a proposed solution or decision will affect the digital cultural landscape of an organization. This new social world of communication will develop new proposal of digital solution that may influence employee voice, resistance, and adoption.
More and more organizational change will be associated with the adoption of innovative digital solutions to build trust, and promote organizational adoption and implementation.
Keywords: Communication, Organizations, digital transformation, NPT,
Short Bio
Ana Branca da Silva Soeiro de Carvalho. PhD in Organizational Behavior, University of Lisbon / Higher Institute of Social and Political Sciences; Master in Management by ISCTE - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa; Law degree Universidade Moderna; DEA and Research Sufficiency, in Business Sciences - Organization, University of Salamanca; MBA - at ISCTE in 1999 in Organization and Human Resources; Adjunct Professor at the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu; Member of the Research Center for Education Studies in Technology and Health. President of the Scientific Council of ESTGL; Has chapter(s) in Books of a scientific nature, and in journals indexed publication Scopus and WoS; Received 3 Best Awards, in Scientific Journeys. Was Coordinator of Post-Graduations in Tourism and Competitiveness and Public Administration; Research areas Administrative Law and Public Administration: Tourism Law; Human Resources; Digital Communication; Social Organizations and Parental Alienation.
Ana Branca Soeiro de Carvalho
Abstract
The pandemic forced us to take an extraordinary digital leap in our everyday life and practices. How organizations have had to adjust to a new normal, is nowadays problem (Davison, 2020). Currently, more than structural reforms, coordinated policies are important. Above all, it is necessary to invest in the interoperability of services. Organizations have had to adopt new information Technology (IT) systems during the pandemic. At the very least, many are required to implement alternative workspaces in order to comply with social distancing requirements (Leidner, 2020; Nguyen et al, 2020; O’Leary, 2020). Several have had to rethink their business model, moving to online services and products and engaging in new networking systems.
The main question of this study is: how can the digital transformation support the new social world of communication, during the pandemic time?
The new process theory presents a derivate sociological theory on the implementation, embedding and integration of the new technologies and organizational innovations (May Finch, 2009).
Is important to think how organizations adjust to the new normal, and how they use IT in many aspects as organizational, behavioral, temporal and societal (AgerfalK, 2020). These new technology practices will now form part of the new normal. Digital transformation is important to demonstrate how a proposed solution or decision will affect the digital cultural landscape of an organization. This new social world of communication will develop new proposal of digital solution that may influence employee voice, resistance, and adoption.
More and more organizational change will be associated with the adoption of innovative digital solutions to build trust, and promote organizational adoption and implementation.
Keywords: Communication, Organizations, digital transformation, NPT,
Short Bio
Ana Branca da Silva Soeiro de Carvalho. PhD in Organizational Behavior, University of Lisbon / Higher Institute of Social and Political Sciences; Master in Management by ISCTE - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa; Law degree Universidade Moderna; DEA and Research Sufficiency, in Business Sciences - Organization, University of Salamanca; MBA - at ISCTE in 1999 in Organization and Human Resources; Adjunct Professor at the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu; Member of the Research Center for Education Studies in Technology and Health. President of the Scientific Council of ESTGL; Has chapter(s) in Books of a scientific nature, and in journals indexed publication Scopus and WoS; Received 3 Best Awards, in Scientific Journeys. Was Coordinator of Post-Graduations in Tourism and Competitiveness and Public Administration; Research areas Administrative Law and Public Administration: Tourism Law; Human Resources; Digital Communication; Social Organizations and Parental Alienation.
Digital communication and Sustainable Development
Ana Branca Soeiro de Carvalho(1), Nídia Menezes (2)and Fernando Mamede Santos (3)
Abstract
In only a few months, the coronavirus pandemic has upended the daily lives of people around the world.
The pandemic has forced many people to work from home, and we have seen that call centers are transforming into something more like contact centers and, in some cases, represent the only point of contact that customers have with a store. Before the digital age, communications professionals had to navigate print media, TV, radio, and billboard advertising. Old-school dual-tone multi-frequency-based menus can now be replaced by much more user-friendly, speech-driven chatbots.
Moreover, what can organizations do to prepare for what is coming? Most of them are starting to focus more and more on using hybrid models, where people and machines work together more efficiently.
Is important to understand that Digital communication is the process of connecting with people across online channels.
Digital communication is often synonymous with social media communication.
Data transmission, digital transmission, or digital communication, is the transfer of physical data over a point-to-point or multipoint communication channel. Social media allows people across the world to connect with friends, family, celebrities, and brands through bite-sized textual and visual content.
As businesses start communicating more with their customers to cement loyalty, they will also be able to further benefit from automation – another important digital communication trend to watch.
According to the UNESCO Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, the majority of the world’s population now has access to the internet, and that percentage continues to grow.
Although many people are, of course, online, a lot of mobile time spent using apps and messenger platforms other than just browsers. Messaging services are set to become even more popular in 2021. During the first half of 2020, 1.6 billion messages were sent worldwide through CM.com platforms – that is 53% more than in the first half of 2019.
Keywords: Digital Communication, sustainable development, social media, social world
Short-bio
(1) Ana Branca da Silva Soeiro de Carvalho. PhD in Organizational Behavior, University of Lisbon / Higher Institute of Social and Political Sciences; Master in Management by ISCTE - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa; Law degree Universidade Moderna; DEA and Research Sufficiency, in Business Sciences - Organization, University of Salamanca; MBA - at ISCTE in 1999 in Organization and Human Resources; Adjunct Professor at the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu; Member of the Research Center for Education Studies in Technology and Health. President of the Scientific Council of ESTGL.
(2) Nídia Maria de Morais Cardoso de Menezes Abrunhosa: PhD in Social Sciences with specialization in Social Work UFP-Porto, PhD in Social Work ISCTE-Lisbon, BA in Social Work ISBB-Coimbra / Social Worker. Researcher in the area of Social Work, with production of referenced articles, technical lectures, international conferences and chapters in books. Adjunct Professor at the School of Technology and Management of Lamego - Polytechnic Institute of Viseu; Member of the Research Center for Education Studies in Technology and Health. Supervises Master's Theses in Management of Social Organizations. Reviewer at Revista Sisyphus - Journal of Education. Participates in funded projects. Head / Technician of the Local Council for Support and Integration of Migrants (CLAIM) - Lamego (ESTGL-IPV).
(3) Fernando Miguel Soares Mamede dos Santos Santos. PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Coimbra / Faculty of Science and Technology, Portugal; Adjunct Professor at the School of Technology and Management of Lamego - Polytechnic Institute of Viseu; Operates in the area (s) of Engineering Sciences and Technologies with an emphasis on Electrotechnical Engineering, Electronics and Informatics.
Ana Branca Soeiro de Carvalho(1), Nídia Menezes (2)and Fernando Mamede Santos (3)
Abstract
In only a few months, the coronavirus pandemic has upended the daily lives of people around the world.
The pandemic has forced many people to work from home, and we have seen that call centers are transforming into something more like contact centers and, in some cases, represent the only point of contact that customers have with a store. Before the digital age, communications professionals had to navigate print media, TV, radio, and billboard advertising. Old-school dual-tone multi-frequency-based menus can now be replaced by much more user-friendly, speech-driven chatbots.
Moreover, what can organizations do to prepare for what is coming? Most of them are starting to focus more and more on using hybrid models, where people and machines work together more efficiently.
Is important to understand that Digital communication is the process of connecting with people across online channels.
Digital communication is often synonymous with social media communication.
Data transmission, digital transmission, or digital communication, is the transfer of physical data over a point-to-point or multipoint communication channel. Social media allows people across the world to connect with friends, family, celebrities, and brands through bite-sized textual and visual content.
As businesses start communicating more with their customers to cement loyalty, they will also be able to further benefit from automation – another important digital communication trend to watch.
According to the UNESCO Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, the majority of the world’s population now has access to the internet, and that percentage continues to grow.
Although many people are, of course, online, a lot of mobile time spent using apps and messenger platforms other than just browsers. Messaging services are set to become even more popular in 2021. During the first half of 2020, 1.6 billion messages were sent worldwide through CM.com platforms – that is 53% more than in the first half of 2019.
Keywords: Digital Communication, sustainable development, social media, social world
Short-bio
(1) Ana Branca da Silva Soeiro de Carvalho. PhD in Organizational Behavior, University of Lisbon / Higher Institute of Social and Political Sciences; Master in Management by ISCTE - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa; Law degree Universidade Moderna; DEA and Research Sufficiency, in Business Sciences - Organization, University of Salamanca; MBA - at ISCTE in 1999 in Organization and Human Resources; Adjunct Professor at the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu; Member of the Research Center for Education Studies in Technology and Health. President of the Scientific Council of ESTGL.
(2) Nídia Maria de Morais Cardoso de Menezes Abrunhosa: PhD in Social Sciences with specialization in Social Work UFP-Porto, PhD in Social Work ISCTE-Lisbon, BA in Social Work ISBB-Coimbra / Social Worker. Researcher in the area of Social Work, with production of referenced articles, technical lectures, international conferences and chapters in books. Adjunct Professor at the School of Technology and Management of Lamego - Polytechnic Institute of Viseu; Member of the Research Center for Education Studies in Technology and Health. Supervises Master's Theses in Management of Social Organizations. Reviewer at Revista Sisyphus - Journal of Education. Participates in funded projects. Head / Technician of the Local Council for Support and Integration of Migrants (CLAIM) - Lamego (ESTGL-IPV).
(3) Fernando Miguel Soares Mamede dos Santos Santos. PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Coimbra / Faculty of Science and Technology, Portugal; Adjunct Professor at the School of Technology and Management of Lamego - Polytechnic Institute of Viseu; Operates in the area (s) of Engineering Sciences and Technologies with an emphasis on Electrotechnical Engineering, Electronics and Informatics.
Social Workers’ practices to inclusive education in the Pandemic context
Elisete Diogo (1), Tatiane Valduga (2), Joana Brinca (3), Isabel Muñoz (4)
Abstract
COVID-19 has stimulated a social, economic, political, and cultural crisis at the national and global level, creating constraints on social protection, contributing to poverty and social exclusion. A reconsideration on vulnerability among families and their children is needed. Social intervention is challenged to follow a perspective based on inclusive education, social justice, and equity. The consequences of the Pandemic are not clearly and exhaustively studied, namely the distance learning’s effects on children, and the school social workers' contributions to an inclusive school. In this complex context, practices/ strategies to deal with the pandemic comprise profits to be assessed and shared between colleagues promoting a reflexive practice. This exploratory study, based on a qualitative approach, aims to understand the adaptation process handled by school social workers to face challenges during the COVID-19 Pandemic; and to identify how their practices contribute to the inclusion of vulnerable students. Semi-structured interviews were conducted remotely (Google Forms) with 19 school social workers, in February 2021. Sampling included both the convenience criteria and the snowball effect, combined with the maximum saturation criteria. Qualitative data analysis, based on categorical analysis, is supported by WebQDA software. Preliminary results show that 29.4% of the participants work in a primary school and 70.6% in a secondary school. During Pandemic only 10.5% remained in the office for face-to-face work, 36.8% are in telework, and 42.1% combine virtual and face-to-face work. Constraints identified are related to restrictions such as home visits, in-person counselling and support to students and their families. The most vulnerable students to the effects of the pandemic are linked to families in poverty and social exclusion. Practices from social workers for pandemic adaptation involve assessing immediate needs; providing technology equipment; establishing closer contact with families at risk; and cooperating with local organisations to get specialized answers and resources. The conclusion suggests that the Pandemic exacerbates social inequalities in the school environment and that the practices of school social workers contribute to reduce obstacles and promote access to basic resources by promoting inclusive education in the Covid-19 reality.
Key-words: Professional Practices; School social worker; COVID-19 Pandemic; Social inclusion in education; Students;
Short bio: (1) Elisete Diogo: Social Work PhD. Professor and coordinator of the degree in Social Work at Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre. Member: Catolica Research Centre for Individual, Family and Social Wellbeing and CICS.NOVA – Centro Interdisciplinar de Ciências Sociais da Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas. Coordinator of a project (2020-22) funded by Asylum, Migration and Social Integration Fund. (2) Tatiane Valduga is Professor and subcoordinates the degree in Social Work at Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, in Portugal. Social Work PhD. Researcher at the Centre for Research and Studies in Sociology (CIES-IUL). She was a researcher fellowship from CAPES/ Brazil. Member of Latin American PhD Students in Social Work (ISCTE-IUL). (3) Joana Brinca, PhD student in Social Work at Lusíada University of Lisbon. PostDoctorate in Social Work by Higher Institute of Social and Political Sciences of Lisbon. PhD in Social Sciences by the same Institute. Invited Professor in Social Work degree at University of Coimbra. Coordinator and co-author of the "Intervention" Collection. Publications in various research areas. 4) Isabel Muñoz: invited Professor the degree in Social Work at Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre. PhD student in Social Work (ISCTE-IUL). Post-graduated in Palliative Care by Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco and in Social and Organizational Psychology by ISCTE-IUL.
Elisete Diogo (1), Tatiane Valduga (2), Joana Brinca (3), Isabel Muñoz (4)
Abstract
COVID-19 has stimulated a social, economic, political, and cultural crisis at the national and global level, creating constraints on social protection, contributing to poverty and social exclusion. A reconsideration on vulnerability among families and their children is needed. Social intervention is challenged to follow a perspective based on inclusive education, social justice, and equity. The consequences of the Pandemic are not clearly and exhaustively studied, namely the distance learning’s effects on children, and the school social workers' contributions to an inclusive school. In this complex context, practices/ strategies to deal with the pandemic comprise profits to be assessed and shared between colleagues promoting a reflexive practice. This exploratory study, based on a qualitative approach, aims to understand the adaptation process handled by school social workers to face challenges during the COVID-19 Pandemic; and to identify how their practices contribute to the inclusion of vulnerable students. Semi-structured interviews were conducted remotely (Google Forms) with 19 school social workers, in February 2021. Sampling included both the convenience criteria and the snowball effect, combined with the maximum saturation criteria. Qualitative data analysis, based on categorical analysis, is supported by WebQDA software. Preliminary results show that 29.4% of the participants work in a primary school and 70.6% in a secondary school. During Pandemic only 10.5% remained in the office for face-to-face work, 36.8% are in telework, and 42.1% combine virtual and face-to-face work. Constraints identified are related to restrictions such as home visits, in-person counselling and support to students and their families. The most vulnerable students to the effects of the pandemic are linked to families in poverty and social exclusion. Practices from social workers for pandemic adaptation involve assessing immediate needs; providing technology equipment; establishing closer contact with families at risk; and cooperating with local organisations to get specialized answers and resources. The conclusion suggests that the Pandemic exacerbates social inequalities in the school environment and that the practices of school social workers contribute to reduce obstacles and promote access to basic resources by promoting inclusive education in the Covid-19 reality.
Key-words: Professional Practices; School social worker; COVID-19 Pandemic; Social inclusion in education; Students;
Short bio: (1) Elisete Diogo: Social Work PhD. Professor and coordinator of the degree in Social Work at Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre. Member: Catolica Research Centre for Individual, Family and Social Wellbeing and CICS.NOVA – Centro Interdisciplinar de Ciências Sociais da Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas. Coordinator of a project (2020-22) funded by Asylum, Migration and Social Integration Fund. (2) Tatiane Valduga is Professor and subcoordinates the degree in Social Work at Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, in Portugal. Social Work PhD. Researcher at the Centre for Research and Studies in Sociology (CIES-IUL). She was a researcher fellowship from CAPES/ Brazil. Member of Latin American PhD Students in Social Work (ISCTE-IUL). (3) Joana Brinca, PhD student in Social Work at Lusíada University of Lisbon. PostDoctorate in Social Work by Higher Institute of Social and Political Sciences of Lisbon. PhD in Social Sciences by the same Institute. Invited Professor in Social Work degree at University of Coimbra. Coordinator and co-author of the "Intervention" Collection. Publications in various research areas. 4) Isabel Muñoz: invited Professor the degree in Social Work at Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre. PhD student in Social Work (ISCTE-IUL). Post-graduated in Palliative Care by Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco and in Social and Organizational Psychology by ISCTE-IUL.
Around social work in two tales : What social work can learn from times of Pandemic
Emilio José Gómez Ciriano
Abstract
Social Work is, parodying Mc Closksey, a narrative discipline (Mc Closkey, 1985) In this paper I will reflect on the narratives that lie behind` pre-covid´ social work that have been assumed and reproduced ´blindly´ in most of the cases by academics and professionals and analyse to which extent have these narratives been informed by neoliberal principles (Dwyer,2019). The arrival of Covid-19 Pandemic has sown seeds of doubt on these narratives and challenged the assumptions, procedures and beliefs that since the second half of the 80´s and first years of the 90´s have supported a way of understanding welfare -and consequently, a way of understanding social work- more focussed on control and suspicion that on reliance and promotion of users (Garrett, 2018, Cummins, 2018, Werzelen et al, 2019) Submerged in an almost systemic crisis that for years has put social work identity into question, the reality unveiled by the pandemic offers a unique opportunity for social work to identify its place in the academic and professional world as a true human rights discipline capable of transforming realities and structures in favour of dignity and social citizenship as it has been defined in the
Global Definition of Social Work, approved by the IFSW General Meeting and the IASSW General Assembly in July 2014 (IFSW, IASSW, 2014) For this purpose, building up new narratives is essential. In this paper we will explain how traditional and not traditional short stories can be of great utility in doing so by working on two examples. The emperor´s new clothes ( Andersen 1837) and The Gruffalo ( Donaldson,1999)
Key Words:
Pandemic, narrative, social work, human rights
Short bio:
Emilio José Gómez Ciriano, is Associate professor at Castilla-La Mancha University (Faculty of Social Work) where he leads the Research Group Alter-Accion. He is the current secretary of ESWRA (European Social Work Research Association). He has been fellow researcher at the College of Europe (Bruges) ,KU Leuven, University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University. He is a member of the editorial board of some the most relevant journals in social work and social care. His main research interests are Migration, Economic Social and Cultural Rights and Welfare and social services. It is in these areas where he has written most of his papers and books. He has led some European Union Funded Projects. Before entering university he worked for some third sector organisations related to migration and human rights
Emilio Jose Gómez Ciriano profile in
Dialnet: https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/autor?codigo=321043
Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Emilio-Gomez-Ciriano
Emilio José Gómez Ciriano
Abstract
Social Work is, parodying Mc Closksey, a narrative discipline (Mc Closkey, 1985) In this paper I will reflect on the narratives that lie behind` pre-covid´ social work that have been assumed and reproduced ´blindly´ in most of the cases by academics and professionals and analyse to which extent have these narratives been informed by neoliberal principles (Dwyer,2019). The arrival of Covid-19 Pandemic has sown seeds of doubt on these narratives and challenged the assumptions, procedures and beliefs that since the second half of the 80´s and first years of the 90´s have supported a way of understanding welfare -and consequently, a way of understanding social work- more focussed on control and suspicion that on reliance and promotion of users (Garrett, 2018, Cummins, 2018, Werzelen et al, 2019) Submerged in an almost systemic crisis that for years has put social work identity into question, the reality unveiled by the pandemic offers a unique opportunity for social work to identify its place in the academic and professional world as a true human rights discipline capable of transforming realities and structures in favour of dignity and social citizenship as it has been defined in the
Global Definition of Social Work, approved by the IFSW General Meeting and the IASSW General Assembly in July 2014 (IFSW, IASSW, 2014) For this purpose, building up new narratives is essential. In this paper we will explain how traditional and not traditional short stories can be of great utility in doing so by working on two examples. The emperor´s new clothes ( Andersen 1837) and The Gruffalo ( Donaldson,1999)
Key Words:
Pandemic, narrative, social work, human rights
Short bio:
Emilio José Gómez Ciriano, is Associate professor at Castilla-La Mancha University (Faculty of Social Work) where he leads the Research Group Alter-Accion. He is the current secretary of ESWRA (European Social Work Research Association). He has been fellow researcher at the College of Europe (Bruges) ,KU Leuven, University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University. He is a member of the editorial board of some the most relevant journals in social work and social care. His main research interests are Migration, Economic Social and Cultural Rights and Welfare and social services. It is in these areas where he has written most of his papers and books. He has led some European Union Funded Projects. Before entering university he worked for some third sector organisations related to migration and human rights
Emilio Jose Gómez Ciriano profile in
Dialnet: https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/autor?codigo=321043
Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Emilio-Gomez-Ciriano
The consent for the intervention of the Social Worker in the protection of fundamental rights within the scope of Social Insertion Income
Gonçalo Mota
Abstract
The provision of Social Insertion Income (SII) presumes in its genesis, ensuring the satisfaction of minimum needs to people who are in a situation of economic need through a cash benefit, associated with a program that integrates an insertion contract and which presumes the definition of actions that go along with the social diagnosis of the family reality of the benefit claimant and which aims, in a complete way, the socio-economic and professional integration of all elements of this household. With this work, we intend to understand if the social workers, as technical process managers in the scope of the intervention that results from the work carried out with the people that benefits with the provision of SII when signing the insertion contract, obtain or not a consent to their intervention. The guarantee of an informed consent for the intervention of the social worker, unlike what happens in some European countries, is not included in the Portuguese Deontological Code, in addition to safeguarding confidentiality and managing the information collected. Consent in the work carried out by social workers in the context of SII is presumed to be associated with the applicant's duty to sign the insertion contract, when the continuation of the payment of this benefit depends on signing of that same contract after administrative approval. We conclude that, in times of pandemic disease COVID-19, the last legislative change related to SII, ended up determining the suspension of the need to sign the insertion contract for the attribution of the social benefit and determined at the same time that the professional action of the social worker ceases to require consent, giving up the safeguarding of the guarantee of the human person's right to dignity as well as the right to the development of the personality of those who are intervened by this professional.
Keywords: Social Insertion Income; Consent; Social work;
Short-bio
Gonçalo Mota is a social worker with intervention in the area of social policy from 2006 to 2020. Invited Adjunct Professor of the Social Work degree at Lamego School of Technology and Management of the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu. PhD student in Social Work in the Interuniversity Doctoral Program in Social Work at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Coimbra and the Catholic University of Portugal. He completed a Master’s degree in Social Work in 2011 from Instituto Superior Miguel Torga in Coimbra and a Degree in Social Work in 2005 from the same institution. Postgraduate in Human Rights, Family Law and Minors, Mediation, Social Economy and Organizational Fraud. Collaborating researcher at CI&DEI in the area of human rights, justice, social policies and Social Work
Gonçalo Mota
Abstract
The provision of Social Insertion Income (SII) presumes in its genesis, ensuring the satisfaction of minimum needs to people who are in a situation of economic need through a cash benefit, associated with a program that integrates an insertion contract and which presumes the definition of actions that go along with the social diagnosis of the family reality of the benefit claimant and which aims, in a complete way, the socio-economic and professional integration of all elements of this household. With this work, we intend to understand if the social workers, as technical process managers in the scope of the intervention that results from the work carried out with the people that benefits with the provision of SII when signing the insertion contract, obtain or not a consent to their intervention. The guarantee of an informed consent for the intervention of the social worker, unlike what happens in some European countries, is not included in the Portuguese Deontological Code, in addition to safeguarding confidentiality and managing the information collected. Consent in the work carried out by social workers in the context of SII is presumed to be associated with the applicant's duty to sign the insertion contract, when the continuation of the payment of this benefit depends on signing of that same contract after administrative approval. We conclude that, in times of pandemic disease COVID-19, the last legislative change related to SII, ended up determining the suspension of the need to sign the insertion contract for the attribution of the social benefit and determined at the same time that the professional action of the social worker ceases to require consent, giving up the safeguarding of the guarantee of the human person's right to dignity as well as the right to the development of the personality of those who are intervened by this professional.
Keywords: Social Insertion Income; Consent; Social work;
Short-bio
Gonçalo Mota is a social worker with intervention in the area of social policy from 2006 to 2020. Invited Adjunct Professor of the Social Work degree at Lamego School of Technology and Management of the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu. PhD student in Social Work in the Interuniversity Doctoral Program in Social Work at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Coimbra and the Catholic University of Portugal. He completed a Master’s degree in Social Work in 2011 from Instituto Superior Miguel Torga in Coimbra and a Degree in Social Work in 2005 from the same institution. Postgraduate in Human Rights, Family Law and Minors, Mediation, Social Economy and Organizational Fraud. Collaborating researcher at CI&DEI in the area of human rights, justice, social policies and Social Work
The (in)visibility of a (frontline) profession in times of pandemic. Reflections and consequences
Jacqueline Ferreira Marques
Abstract
When we talk about "front line" professionals in the fight against COVID19, we all immediately and rightly think of doctors, nurses and other health professionals. But are these the only professionals in this fight? We know that many invisible professionals have been, from the very first moment, working directly in this combat. One of these professionals is the Social Worker who, due to the nature and specificity of their profession, develops functions in the support structures for the elderly, in particular in the old people's homes which, as we know, were crucial places in the struggle against Covid19. They also met the elderly who were prevented from attending the Day Centres and "invented" strategies to reduce isolation and the consequences of inaction on ageing. But it wasn’t only with the elderly, they were (and are) fighting against poverty accentuated by this pandemic, in residential institutions for the mentally ill, the disabled, for women victims of domestic violence, for children and young people in danger, etc.
But given this presence in so many fields of action, why this feeling of social invisibility? The visibility of a profession, in collective terms, stems from the recognition of its indispensability for the population in general and for the organisations, both public and private, in which it carries out functions. A profession that becomes socially invisible ceases to have a social function, to demonstrate its importance and specificity and, consequently, over time, is replaced or transformed into another. Is Social Work suffering this process of invisibility, particularly in this pandemic phase, where it assumes such relevant roles and functions? The reflection presented in this article will be based on a survey of volume and content of news (written and audiovisual), in the period between March 2020 and March 2021, about the work of Social Workers in the fight against Covid19.
Key-words: social workers; health institutions; inclusion; covid-19.
Short bio
Jacqueline Ferreira Marques, PhD in Social Work. Assistant Professor at the Lusophone University of Humanities and Technologies (Lisbon).
Working as a Social Worker since 1997, started in 2000 to teach in the Degree in Social Work and, later, in the Master of Social Work. Worked at several universities such as: Instituto Superior Miguel Torga, Catholic University of Viseu, ESTGL - Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Higher Institute of Social Work of Porto and FPCE of the University of Coimbra.
Integrated the coordination commissions of the 1st and 2nd cycle of Social Work, as well as of the evaluation and review team of the study plan of the Social Work degree under the A3ES. Was part of the organizing and scientific committee of several congresses and seminars. Served as Student Provider at ISSSP. Member of the Lusíada Center for Research in Social Work and Social Intervention. Member of the editorial committee of the magazine Temas Sociais of ULHT. Author of some scientific publications and communications in national and international seminars and in congresses in the field of Social Work.
Jacqueline Ferreira Marques
Abstract
When we talk about "front line" professionals in the fight against COVID19, we all immediately and rightly think of doctors, nurses and other health professionals. But are these the only professionals in this fight? We know that many invisible professionals have been, from the very first moment, working directly in this combat. One of these professionals is the Social Worker who, due to the nature and specificity of their profession, develops functions in the support structures for the elderly, in particular in the old people's homes which, as we know, were crucial places in the struggle against Covid19. They also met the elderly who were prevented from attending the Day Centres and "invented" strategies to reduce isolation and the consequences of inaction on ageing. But it wasn’t only with the elderly, they were (and are) fighting against poverty accentuated by this pandemic, in residential institutions for the mentally ill, the disabled, for women victims of domestic violence, for children and young people in danger, etc.
But given this presence in so many fields of action, why this feeling of social invisibility? The visibility of a profession, in collective terms, stems from the recognition of its indispensability for the population in general and for the organisations, both public and private, in which it carries out functions. A profession that becomes socially invisible ceases to have a social function, to demonstrate its importance and specificity and, consequently, over time, is replaced or transformed into another. Is Social Work suffering this process of invisibility, particularly in this pandemic phase, where it assumes such relevant roles and functions? The reflection presented in this article will be based on a survey of volume and content of news (written and audiovisual), in the period between March 2020 and March 2021, about the work of Social Workers in the fight against Covid19.
Key-words: social workers; health institutions; inclusion; covid-19.
Short bio
Jacqueline Ferreira Marques, PhD in Social Work. Assistant Professor at the Lusophone University of Humanities and Technologies (Lisbon).
Working as a Social Worker since 1997, started in 2000 to teach in the Degree in Social Work and, later, in the Master of Social Work. Worked at several universities such as: Instituto Superior Miguel Torga, Catholic University of Viseu, ESTGL - Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Higher Institute of Social Work of Porto and FPCE of the University of Coimbra.
Integrated the coordination commissions of the 1st and 2nd cycle of Social Work, as well as of the evaluation and review team of the study plan of the Social Work degree under the A3ES. Was part of the organizing and scientific committee of several congresses and seminars. Served as Student Provider at ISSSP. Member of the Lusíada Center for Research in Social Work and Social Intervention. Member of the editorial committee of the magazine Temas Sociais of ULHT. Author of some scientific publications and communications in national and international seminars and in congresses in the field of Social Work.
Labor and care after Covid-19
José Soeiro
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic served as a major revealer of some of the patterns of inequality and precariousness in today's capitalism. It was the most precarious social groups that most strongly felt the impact of the crisis and the consequences of a model of labor regulation and social protection that leaves broad fringes of citizens in a situation of vulnerability. On the other hand, the centrality of care and social reproduction activities became more visible than ever. However, this visibility did not necessarily correspond to less inequality, to better job standards in the world of formal care or to a greater recognition of the unpaid work of social reproduction, which burdens women. What can we learn from the crisis of care and the crisis of social protection that we face? What teach us the social struggles in this area, led by precarious workers and informal carers? What challenges do they pose to public policies for the future? How to transform the patterns of precariousness and sexual division of labor that structure and maintain an unequal world?
Key-words: Labor, precariousness, care, social reproduction, public policies
Short bio
José Soeiro. Sociologist. PhD in Sociology of work and collective action, with a thesis about the transformations of labor in Portugal and the formation of the precariat. Member of portuguese Parliament, working mainly in the issues of labor, precariousness, social protection and inequalities. He has been strongly engaged in the legislative process around the recognition of informal care. He has a weekly online column in the newspaper Expresso. He co-authored, among others, the books: "Cuidar de quem Cuida" (Objectiva, 2020, com Mafalda Araújo e Sofia Figueiredo), "The Routledge Companion to Theatre of the Oppressed" (Routledge, 2019, com Kelly Howe e Julian Boal), "A Falácia do Empreendedorismo" (Bertrand, 2016, com Adriano Campos) e “Não Acredite em Tudo o que Pensa” (Tinta-da-China, 2013, com Miguel Cardina e Nuno Serra).
José Soeiro
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic served as a major revealer of some of the patterns of inequality and precariousness in today's capitalism. It was the most precarious social groups that most strongly felt the impact of the crisis and the consequences of a model of labor regulation and social protection that leaves broad fringes of citizens in a situation of vulnerability. On the other hand, the centrality of care and social reproduction activities became more visible than ever. However, this visibility did not necessarily correspond to less inequality, to better job standards in the world of formal care or to a greater recognition of the unpaid work of social reproduction, which burdens women. What can we learn from the crisis of care and the crisis of social protection that we face? What teach us the social struggles in this area, led by precarious workers and informal carers? What challenges do they pose to public policies for the future? How to transform the patterns of precariousness and sexual division of labor that structure and maintain an unequal world?
Key-words: Labor, precariousness, care, social reproduction, public policies
Short bio
José Soeiro. Sociologist. PhD in Sociology of work and collective action, with a thesis about the transformations of labor in Portugal and the formation of the precariat. Member of portuguese Parliament, working mainly in the issues of labor, precariousness, social protection and inequalities. He has been strongly engaged in the legislative process around the recognition of informal care. He has a weekly online column in the newspaper Expresso. He co-authored, among others, the books: "Cuidar de quem Cuida" (Objectiva, 2020, com Mafalda Araújo e Sofia Figueiredo), "The Routledge Companion to Theatre of the Oppressed" (Routledge, 2019, com Kelly Howe e Julian Boal), "A Falácia do Empreendedorismo" (Bertrand, 2016, com Adriano Campos) e “Não Acredite em Tudo o que Pensa” (Tinta-da-China, 2013, com Miguel Cardina e Nuno Serra).
The various speeds of Pandemic in the various countries and contexts of the PALOP: a vision and state of the art of the intercontinental spectrum.
Levi Leonido (1), Elsa Morgado (2), Sefisa Quixadá (3), Dinis Armando (4), José Pinto (5), Francisco Kimbanda (6).
Abstract
We are certain that there is a significant decalage between continents with regard to the paradigm during and post-Covid or post-pandemic, in the universe of some of the portuguese-speaking countries distributed across three continents (Europe, Africa and South America). The social response will be endlessly different and diverse, given the resources, means and policies in force in each of these three large continents and in the countries represented here (Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique and Cape Verde). There are several approaches and results in times that are also diverse, disparate and highly contrasting in terms of response and preparation for a post-covid universe that wants to be socially and politically sustained, but which, we believe, while some countries are preparing for “ Post-Covid ”others will invariably live“ during the pandemic ”. It is these responses and figures that we want to share and discuss at this event. Thus, and of course, what needs to be done becomes an immeasurable array of initiatives and actions that will remain in time and in the lives of everyone for a period that is probably indeterminate. It is this panorama and section of the lived and observed reality that we propose to discuss further.
Palvras-chave: pós-pandemia; PALOP; visão intercontinental da pandemia; o “durante” e “pós-pandemia”.
Key-words: post-pandemic; PALOP; intercontinental view of the pandemic; the “during” and “post-pandemic”.
Key-words: post-pandemic; PALOP; intercontinental view of the pandemic; the “during” and “post-pandemic”.
Short bio
(1) Levi Leonido Fernandes da Silva, Professor da Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD). Bacharel em Professores de Ensino Primário pela UTAD. Licenciado em Educação Musical pelo Instituto Piaget / Conservatório de Música de Gaia. Pós-graduado em Música, Texto e Representação pela Universidade de Salamanca (USAL). Grado / Mestre em Educação (Artes Interdisciplinares) pela USAL. Doutor em Educação (Método Interdisciplinar em Literacia Musical, Educação e Sensibilização Artística) pela USAL. Professor Agregado em Ciências da Informação pela Universidade Fernando Pessoa. Desenvolveu Estudos de Pós-doutoramento na Universidade de Coimbra na área de Estudos Teatrais e na Universidade de Santiago de Compostela na área de Sociologia da Música. Pós-doutorado “Teatro Musical” pelo Universidade do Minho. Membro Integrado do Centro de Investigação em Ciência e Tecnologias da Artes da Universidade Católica Portuguesa. Fundador e Diretor e Editor-Chefe da Revista Europeia de Estudos Artístico. Diretor do I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII e VIII Festival Internacional de Teatro e Artes Performativas. Diretor do I, II III Congresso Internacional de Artes e Comunicação. Diretor do I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII Simpósio Internacional de Investigação em Arte. Presidente da MUNDIS- Associação Cívica de formação e Cultura. Título de Honoris Causa pela Federação Brasileira de Acadêmicos de Letras e Artes. Tem desenvolvido uma regular atividade investigativa no domínio da Artes e Educação com especial enfoque na criação / direção artística e na orientação de trabalhos de investigação avançada (mestrado, doutoramento e pós-doutoramento).
(2) Elsa maria Gabriel Morgado, Investigadora Auxiliar Convidada do Centro de Estudos Filosóficos e Humanísticos da Universidade Católica – Centro Regional de Braga. Investigadora de pós-Doutoramento na Escola das Ciências Humanas e Sociais da Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD). Docente da Escola Superior de Educação do Instituto Politécnico de Bragança. Direção Executiva das Revistas MUNDIS. Coordenadora da formação da MUNDIS - Associação Cívica de Formação e Cultura. Licenciada em Biologia-Geologia pela UTAD. Especializada em Educação Especial (domínio Cognitivo e Motor) pelo Instituto Superior de Ciências da Informação e Administração - Aveiro. Mestre em Biologia-Geologia pela UTAD. Doutora em Ciências da Educação pela UTAD. Tem desenvolvido uma regular atividade e investigativa no domínio das Ciências da Educação; Educação Especial; Supervisão Pedagógica e Estágio de Inserção Profissional.
(3) Sefida Quixadá, Professor at the State University of Vale do Acaraú, where she held positions of high responsibility, namely she was part of the rector team in the term of Dean Fabianno Cavalcante de Carvalho. Master in Business Administration from the University of Fortaleza. Specialization in Management in Public Administration and Graduation in Administration from the State University of Ceará. Assistant Professor in the Administration course at the Universidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú since 1995. In the last five years she taught disciplines of Organizational Behavior, People Management, Organizational Culture, Public Management, Fundamental Theories of Administration and Research. Has experience in the field of Administration, with emphasis on Public Administration and university management. It integrates several national and international organizing and scientific commissions. Participates in scientific events in the area of education, administration and higher education.
(4) Dinis Armando, United Methodist University of Mozambique. Lecturer at several institutions in the Cambine region (Morrumbene District and Inhambane Province). Promoter of the Preservation of the Cultural Heritage of Mozambique through the Teaching of Xigubo at the Escola Secundária de Cambine. A staunch defender of interculturality. Member of several national and international artistic-cultural events organizing committees, with an emphasis on international participation and partnership in conjunction with the various International Theater and Performing Arts festivals, Forums related to Ethnography and Folklore, Popular and Traditional Theater, cultural associations, as well as other initiatives in partnership in the Portuguese-speaking world.
(5) José Pinto, Clinical Psychologist. Develops social work and artistic intervention in Portugal and, in recent years, in various places and islands in Cape Verde. Founder and director of the T-Xon Poesia project, where he develops several initiatives related to theater and poetry; with the organization of various festivals (national and international), with general literacy and promotion of indigenous poetry; with poetic-literary training; such as general cultural editing and promotion. Several of the projects he participates in and / or directs are recognized and supported by national and international entities of great importance in global cultural life.
(6) Francisco Kimbanda, Professor at Escola Superior Pedagógica do Bengo and at Piaget University of Angola. Chairman of the Fiscal Council of MUNDIS and official representative in Angolan territory of MUNDIS - Civic Association of Training and Culture. Graduate, Master and Doctor in the area of Educational Sciences and Information Sciences. Having obtained higher education at the Agostinho Neto University, at the Higher Institute of Educational Sciences (Portugal), at the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro and at the University Fernando Pessoa. He was Director-General of the Polytechnic School of Malange and held several university management positions in Angola. Among others, he was also the General Coordinator of the Licentiate Courses at Lueji A’Nkonde University and the General Director of Colégio Tchiloca, in Viana.
Levi Leonido (1), Elsa Morgado (2), Sefisa Quixadá (3), Dinis Armando (4), José Pinto (5), Francisco Kimbanda (6).
Abstract
We are certain that there is a significant decalage between continents with regard to the paradigm during and post-Covid or post-pandemic, in the universe of some of the portuguese-speaking countries distributed across three continents (Europe, Africa and South America). The social response will be endlessly different and diverse, given the resources, means and policies in force in each of these three large continents and in the countries represented here (Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique and Cape Verde). There are several approaches and results in times that are also diverse, disparate and highly contrasting in terms of response and preparation for a post-covid universe that wants to be socially and politically sustained, but which, we believe, while some countries are preparing for “ Post-Covid ”others will invariably live“ during the pandemic ”. It is these responses and figures that we want to share and discuss at this event. Thus, and of course, what needs to be done becomes an immeasurable array of initiatives and actions that will remain in time and in the lives of everyone for a period that is probably indeterminate. It is this panorama and section of the lived and observed reality that we propose to discuss further.
Palvras-chave: pós-pandemia; PALOP; visão intercontinental da pandemia; o “durante” e “pós-pandemia”.
Key-words: post-pandemic; PALOP; intercontinental view of the pandemic; the “during” and “post-pandemic”.
Key-words: post-pandemic; PALOP; intercontinental view of the pandemic; the “during” and “post-pandemic”.
Short bio
(1) Levi Leonido Fernandes da Silva, Professor da Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD). Bacharel em Professores de Ensino Primário pela UTAD. Licenciado em Educação Musical pelo Instituto Piaget / Conservatório de Música de Gaia. Pós-graduado em Música, Texto e Representação pela Universidade de Salamanca (USAL). Grado / Mestre em Educação (Artes Interdisciplinares) pela USAL. Doutor em Educação (Método Interdisciplinar em Literacia Musical, Educação e Sensibilização Artística) pela USAL. Professor Agregado em Ciências da Informação pela Universidade Fernando Pessoa. Desenvolveu Estudos de Pós-doutoramento na Universidade de Coimbra na área de Estudos Teatrais e na Universidade de Santiago de Compostela na área de Sociologia da Música. Pós-doutorado “Teatro Musical” pelo Universidade do Minho. Membro Integrado do Centro de Investigação em Ciência e Tecnologias da Artes da Universidade Católica Portuguesa. Fundador e Diretor e Editor-Chefe da Revista Europeia de Estudos Artístico. Diretor do I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII e VIII Festival Internacional de Teatro e Artes Performativas. Diretor do I, II III Congresso Internacional de Artes e Comunicação. Diretor do I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII Simpósio Internacional de Investigação em Arte. Presidente da MUNDIS- Associação Cívica de formação e Cultura. Título de Honoris Causa pela Federação Brasileira de Acadêmicos de Letras e Artes. Tem desenvolvido uma regular atividade investigativa no domínio da Artes e Educação com especial enfoque na criação / direção artística e na orientação de trabalhos de investigação avançada (mestrado, doutoramento e pós-doutoramento).
(2) Elsa maria Gabriel Morgado, Investigadora Auxiliar Convidada do Centro de Estudos Filosóficos e Humanísticos da Universidade Católica – Centro Regional de Braga. Investigadora de pós-Doutoramento na Escola das Ciências Humanas e Sociais da Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD). Docente da Escola Superior de Educação do Instituto Politécnico de Bragança. Direção Executiva das Revistas MUNDIS. Coordenadora da formação da MUNDIS - Associação Cívica de Formação e Cultura. Licenciada em Biologia-Geologia pela UTAD. Especializada em Educação Especial (domínio Cognitivo e Motor) pelo Instituto Superior de Ciências da Informação e Administração - Aveiro. Mestre em Biologia-Geologia pela UTAD. Doutora em Ciências da Educação pela UTAD. Tem desenvolvido uma regular atividade e investigativa no domínio das Ciências da Educação; Educação Especial; Supervisão Pedagógica e Estágio de Inserção Profissional.
(3) Sefida Quixadá, Professor at the State University of Vale do Acaraú, where she held positions of high responsibility, namely she was part of the rector team in the term of Dean Fabianno Cavalcante de Carvalho. Master in Business Administration from the University of Fortaleza. Specialization in Management in Public Administration and Graduation in Administration from the State University of Ceará. Assistant Professor in the Administration course at the Universidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú since 1995. In the last five years she taught disciplines of Organizational Behavior, People Management, Organizational Culture, Public Management, Fundamental Theories of Administration and Research. Has experience in the field of Administration, with emphasis on Public Administration and university management. It integrates several national and international organizing and scientific commissions. Participates in scientific events in the area of education, administration and higher education.
(4) Dinis Armando, United Methodist University of Mozambique. Lecturer at several institutions in the Cambine region (Morrumbene District and Inhambane Province). Promoter of the Preservation of the Cultural Heritage of Mozambique through the Teaching of Xigubo at the Escola Secundária de Cambine. A staunch defender of interculturality. Member of several national and international artistic-cultural events organizing committees, with an emphasis on international participation and partnership in conjunction with the various International Theater and Performing Arts festivals, Forums related to Ethnography and Folklore, Popular and Traditional Theater, cultural associations, as well as other initiatives in partnership in the Portuguese-speaking world.
(5) José Pinto, Clinical Psychologist. Develops social work and artistic intervention in Portugal and, in recent years, in various places and islands in Cape Verde. Founder and director of the T-Xon Poesia project, where he develops several initiatives related to theater and poetry; with the organization of various festivals (national and international), with general literacy and promotion of indigenous poetry; with poetic-literary training; such as general cultural editing and promotion. Several of the projects he participates in and / or directs are recognized and supported by national and international entities of great importance in global cultural life.
(6) Francisco Kimbanda, Professor at Escola Superior Pedagógica do Bengo and at Piaget University of Angola. Chairman of the Fiscal Council of MUNDIS and official representative in Angolan territory of MUNDIS - Civic Association of Training and Culture. Graduate, Master and Doctor in the area of Educational Sciences and Information Sciences. Having obtained higher education at the Agostinho Neto University, at the Higher Institute of Educational Sciences (Portugal), at the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro and at the University Fernando Pessoa. He was Director-General of the Polytechnic School of Malange and held several university management positions in Angola. Among others, he was also the General Coordinator of the Licentiate Courses at Lueji A’Nkonde University and the General Director of Colégio Tchiloca, in Viana.
Initial Training in Social Work during the COVID-19 Crisis
Nídia Menezes
Abstract
With this article we intend to reflect on the challenges and potentials experienced by undergraduate students in social work in the initial training process at a higher education institution, when using distance learning, for the need of social isolation, because the COVID-19 crisis, which caused the need for higher education institutions worldwide to encourage new ways of promoting education, such as the use of distance technologies, on an emergency basis.
Initial training, the internship required for undergraduate students, and the concept of theoretical practice, which, according to Stepney, is a central aspect of the social worker profession, are topics covered in the course of this article. Parton (2000) as is the case with Fook (1993), argue that the construction of a new project for social work implies the assumption of three aspects, namely: the formative (training in Social Work); the practical application of the knowledge acquired in a training context (which combine the formative aspect with professional practice, in a feedback process) and the methodological strategies of professional intervention (which allow the construction of knowledge through the professional's reflective process in an evaluation of their practice, transforming it into theoretical products and political products).
In this sense, we believe it is relevant, especially at this moment, to prepare future social workers to intervene in problems that are changing rapidly and whose specificities must be the object of reflection in the construction of training curricula, which, undoubtedly, were impacted by the current social dynamics already signaled.
This is a qualitative study, using a semi-structured questionnaire (mixed) as a data collection tool, carried out for undergraduate students in social work, in addition to bibliographic and documentary research.
Keywords: COVID-19 Crisis, Initial Training, Social Work
Short bio
Nídia Maria de Morais Cardoso de Menezes Abrunhosa: PhD in Social Sciences with specialization in Social Work UFP-Porto, PhD in Social Work ISCTE-Lisbon, BA in Social Work ISBB-Coimbra / Social Worker. Researcher in the area of Social Work, with production of referenced articles, technical lectures, international conferences and chapters in books. Adjunct Professor at the School of Technology and Management of Lamego - Polytechnic Institute of Viseu; Member of the Research Center for Education Studies in Technology and Health. Supervises Master's Theses in Management of Social Organizations. Reviewer at Revista Sisyphus - Journal of Education. Participates in funded projects. Head / Technician of the Local Council for Support and Integration of Migrants (CLAIM) - Lamego (ESTGL-IPV).
Nídia Menezes
Abstract
With this article we intend to reflect on the challenges and potentials experienced by undergraduate students in social work in the initial training process at a higher education institution, when using distance learning, for the need of social isolation, because the COVID-19 crisis, which caused the need for higher education institutions worldwide to encourage new ways of promoting education, such as the use of distance technologies, on an emergency basis.
Initial training, the internship required for undergraduate students, and the concept of theoretical practice, which, according to Stepney, is a central aspect of the social worker profession, are topics covered in the course of this article. Parton (2000) as is the case with Fook (1993), argue that the construction of a new project for social work implies the assumption of three aspects, namely: the formative (training in Social Work); the practical application of the knowledge acquired in a training context (which combine the formative aspect with professional practice, in a feedback process) and the methodological strategies of professional intervention (which allow the construction of knowledge through the professional's reflective process in an evaluation of their practice, transforming it into theoretical products and political products).
In this sense, we believe it is relevant, especially at this moment, to prepare future social workers to intervene in problems that are changing rapidly and whose specificities must be the object of reflection in the construction of training curricula, which, undoubtedly, were impacted by the current social dynamics already signaled.
This is a qualitative study, using a semi-structured questionnaire (mixed) as a data collection tool, carried out for undergraduate students in social work, in addition to bibliographic and documentary research.
Keywords: COVID-19 Crisis, Initial Training, Social Work
Short bio
Nídia Maria de Morais Cardoso de Menezes Abrunhosa: PhD in Social Sciences with specialization in Social Work UFP-Porto, PhD in Social Work ISCTE-Lisbon, BA in Social Work ISBB-Coimbra / Social Worker. Researcher in the area of Social Work, with production of referenced articles, technical lectures, international conferences and chapters in books. Adjunct Professor at the School of Technology and Management of Lamego - Polytechnic Institute of Viseu; Member of the Research Center for Education Studies in Technology and Health. Supervises Master's Theses in Management of Social Organizations. Reviewer at Revista Sisyphus - Journal of Education. Participates in funded projects. Head / Technician of the Local Council for Support and Integration of Migrants (CLAIM) - Lamego (ESTGL-IPV).
The short illusion of metamorphosis in the looking glass - A phenomenological approach to otherness and altruism
Paulo Alexandre e Castro
Abstract
During the pandemic and the restrictions it placed, many television commentators around the world from different fields of study, postulated the hypothesis that this global stop would allow greater awareness of man's place in the world. During the first confinement, these statements followed and pointed to this transformation, towards a substantial metamorphosis in the way man would prioritize and reassess his ethical and moral values. This general change in behavior would mean, above all, a change in the way in which it would deal with the environment, with technology and in human relations (which placed the status of the social world at the highest level of the concerns of the populations). This meant in sociological and phenomenological terms the affirmation of human nature and the human condition embodied in the theoretical concepts of alterity and altruism (and there were numerous examples of altruism that seemed to confirm that hope). However, after the lifting of the first restrictions, a return to the same (and ultimately normal) attitudes was noticed. It is about this brief illusion of behavioral and ethical metamorphosis that we will seek to draw a critical reflection and at the same time a phenomenological approach to the human essence in the hypermodern times in which we live.
Keywords: social world; phenomenology; otherness; altruism; hypermodern.
Short Bio
Full member of the Institute of Philosophical Studies at the University of Coimbra and invited professor at ESTGLamego. PhD in Philosophy of Mind (University of Minho) and Master in Phenomenology and Hermeneutics (FLUL). Has done a Post-doc in Digital Art (Fernando Pessoa University). Among other courses, such as "Ethics in Artificial Intelligence" (University of Helsinki) or "Theoretical Neuroscience» (Catholic University Portugal) he is PDCHyp (London College of Clinical Hypnosis). Author and co-author of dozens of books (essay and literature) and articles in international journals. Founder and Director of Uncanny Journal.
Paulo Alexandre e Castro
Abstract
During the pandemic and the restrictions it placed, many television commentators around the world from different fields of study, postulated the hypothesis that this global stop would allow greater awareness of man's place in the world. During the first confinement, these statements followed and pointed to this transformation, towards a substantial metamorphosis in the way man would prioritize and reassess his ethical and moral values. This general change in behavior would mean, above all, a change in the way in which it would deal with the environment, with technology and in human relations (which placed the status of the social world at the highest level of the concerns of the populations). This meant in sociological and phenomenological terms the affirmation of human nature and the human condition embodied in the theoretical concepts of alterity and altruism (and there were numerous examples of altruism that seemed to confirm that hope). However, after the lifting of the first restrictions, a return to the same (and ultimately normal) attitudes was noticed. It is about this brief illusion of behavioral and ethical metamorphosis that we will seek to draw a critical reflection and at the same time a phenomenological approach to the human essence in the hypermodern times in which we live.
Keywords: social world; phenomenology; otherness; altruism; hypermodern.
Short Bio
Full member of the Institute of Philosophical Studies at the University of Coimbra and invited professor at ESTGLamego. PhD in Philosophy of Mind (University of Minho) and Master in Phenomenology and Hermeneutics (FLUL). Has done a Post-doc in Digital Art (Fernando Pessoa University). Among other courses, such as "Ethics in Artificial Intelligence" (University of Helsinki) or "Theoretical Neuroscience» (Catholic University Portugal) he is PDCHyp (London College of Clinical Hypnosis). Author and co-author of dozens of books (essay and literature) and articles in international journals. Founder and Director of Uncanny Journal.
The (paradoxal) meaning of social world during and after pandemics
Paulo Alexandre e Castro; Ana Branca Soeiro de Carvalho; Nídia Menezes, Adelaide Costa e Sandra Mendes
Abstract
The concept of "Social World" has an enormous potential, mainly due to the symbolic character that correlates certain social practices with the discursive language that is inherent to them. If we look at the long history (and philosophy) of language, we see that the concept still remains vague even after the interpretation introduced by symbolic interactionism (Shibutani, 1955) and above all by Anselm Strauss (in 1978) and Unruh (1980).
A social world can be defined (in a very simple way) as: A group of people gathered around a common interest / activity in which social norms and practices are shared (even if people do not know each other). This conception has been used in several disciplines, from sociology to criminology, psychology, social ontology and related fields. However, it is also true that the term appears in many works with broad usage, distinguishing the social domain from the natural, artificial or virtual world, instead of subgroups (subcultures, countercultures, etc.) as in Strauss and Unruh.
The question that guides this study is: can the concept of the social world be used, in its theoretical and analytical usefulness, to describe the situation (from a social point of view) during and after the pandemic? The issue is tricky and the analysis requires the imaginative exercise of a scenario in which the pandemic has ended. In view of the reflection of such a demanding task, we argue that such a concept can lead to a certain type of paradox: if used according to the traditional and academic meaning, it will hardly apply for a correct analysis of the situation; if used more freely, and given the object of study, we return to the initial situation: a vague and dispersed concept that can mean a lot or nothing. This exercise will allow us to provide an answer and which we hope will be considered suitable for such a challenging concept.
Paulo Alexandre e Castro; Ana Branca Soeiro de Carvalho; Nídia Menezes, Adelaide Costa e Sandra Mendes
Abstract
The concept of "Social World" has an enormous potential, mainly due to the symbolic character that correlates certain social practices with the discursive language that is inherent to them. If we look at the long history (and philosophy) of language, we see that the concept still remains vague even after the interpretation introduced by symbolic interactionism (Shibutani, 1955) and above all by Anselm Strauss (in 1978) and Unruh (1980).
A social world can be defined (in a very simple way) as: A group of people gathered around a common interest / activity in which social norms and practices are shared (even if people do not know each other). This conception has been used in several disciplines, from sociology to criminology, psychology, social ontology and related fields. However, it is also true that the term appears in many works with broad usage, distinguishing the social domain from the natural, artificial or virtual world, instead of subgroups (subcultures, countercultures, etc.) as in Strauss and Unruh.
The question that guides this study is: can the concept of the social world be used, in its theoretical and analytical usefulness, to describe the situation (from a social point of view) during and after the pandemic? The issue is tricky and the analysis requires the imaginative exercise of a scenario in which the pandemic has ended. In view of the reflection of such a demanding task, we argue that such a concept can lead to a certain type of paradox: if used according to the traditional and academic meaning, it will hardly apply for a correct analysis of the situation; if used more freely, and given the object of study, we return to the initial situation: a vague and dispersed concept that can mean a lot or nothing. This exercise will allow us to provide an answer and which we hope will be considered suitable for such a challenging concept.
Community and society in pandemic times: a criticism of dystopia
Ricardo Ferreira de Almeida
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic is designing a model of society that gradually imposes and recognizes itself in practices and sociability. In parallel with the progressive dominance of rentier capitalism as a source of accumulation and circulation of Western capital in deep crisis, since industrial capitalism is moving to Southeast Asia, as well as the promises of the Great Reset recently discussed at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the successive confinements and restrictions
of freedoms unilaterally imposed by the different governments conceal the digitization of the current economy and which is introducing new forms of sociability whose final design is only outlined now and that we can only try to suggest shots. The new Green Deal, which will get states to fund private activity to create theoretically mechanisms, concealing that the history of capitalism is all of it the depredation of nature, often irreversible, the effective fusion between technology and the body, with the use of implants and artificial intelligence, as well as the robotization of the production process, the model of agroindustry, destroyer of ecosystems and producer of inequalities, open a suggestive and worrying panorama in the West. How are we going to have fun if the fun is at our fingertips, just by connecting a mobile device? What is gained and what is lost with face-to-face contact? How is confinement serving to domesticate and train citizens for passivity and obedience? From the rhetorical formulation of issues and using the tools of sociological analysis, we will try to create an analytical and discursive path that allows to provide some light to dystopian opacity.
Keywords: Sociology; Great reset; Community; Bio-policy; Capitalism.
Short bio: Graduated in Anthropology from ISCTE-University Institute of Lisbon (PT), Master in Sociology from the University of Coimbra (PT) and PhD in Sociology from the University of Minho (PT). He has been developing his professional activity in the field of education since 1997, as a trainer of professional education, secondary school teacher and university schoolteacher, teaching undergraduate, graduate, master’s, and doctoral students. He was a journalist, cultural activist (president of cultural cooperative A Trouxa Mouxa and ACDS Vila Nova), announcer and director of radio shows ("Música, Música" at Rádio Voz do Douro, “Voltar à Terra" at Radio Voz do Marão and Universidade FM). He instituted the groups A Trouxa Mouxa, A Tanga Teatro and Ao Toque de Vila Nova. He is an actor, playwright, and popular musician. He has publications in sociology, anthropology, tourism, social work, poetry, drama, and his play were represented in Portugal and Brazil. His interests of study are Sociology of Body, Gender and Sexuality, Sociology of Theatre, Portuguese Ethnography, Traditional Music, Medieval Societies, Education, Sociocultural Animation, Human Resources (Team Development) and Communication.
Ricardo Ferreira de Almeida
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic is designing a model of society that gradually imposes and recognizes itself in practices and sociability. In parallel with the progressive dominance of rentier capitalism as a source of accumulation and circulation of Western capital in deep crisis, since industrial capitalism is moving to Southeast Asia, as well as the promises of the Great Reset recently discussed at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the successive confinements and restrictions
of freedoms unilaterally imposed by the different governments conceal the digitization of the current economy and which is introducing new forms of sociability whose final design is only outlined now and that we can only try to suggest shots. The new Green Deal, which will get states to fund private activity to create theoretically mechanisms, concealing that the history of capitalism is all of it the depredation of nature, often irreversible, the effective fusion between technology and the body, with the use of implants and artificial intelligence, as well as the robotization of the production process, the model of agroindustry, destroyer of ecosystems and producer of inequalities, open a suggestive and worrying panorama in the West. How are we going to have fun if the fun is at our fingertips, just by connecting a mobile device? What is gained and what is lost with face-to-face contact? How is confinement serving to domesticate and train citizens for passivity and obedience? From the rhetorical formulation of issues and using the tools of sociological analysis, we will try to create an analytical and discursive path that allows to provide some light to dystopian opacity.
Keywords: Sociology; Great reset; Community; Bio-policy; Capitalism.
Short bio: Graduated in Anthropology from ISCTE-University Institute of Lisbon (PT), Master in Sociology from the University of Coimbra (PT) and PhD in Sociology from the University of Minho (PT). He has been developing his professional activity in the field of education since 1997, as a trainer of professional education, secondary school teacher and university schoolteacher, teaching undergraduate, graduate, master’s, and doctoral students. He was a journalist, cultural activist (president of cultural cooperative A Trouxa Mouxa and ACDS Vila Nova), announcer and director of radio shows ("Música, Música" at Rádio Voz do Douro, “Voltar à Terra" at Radio Voz do Marão and Universidade FM). He instituted the groups A Trouxa Mouxa, A Tanga Teatro and Ao Toque de Vila Nova. He is an actor, playwright, and popular musician. He has publications in sociology, anthropology, tourism, social work, poetry, drama, and his play were represented in Portugal and Brazil. His interests of study are Sociology of Body, Gender and Sexuality, Sociology of Theatre, Portuguese Ethnography, Traditional Music, Medieval Societies, Education, Sociocultural Animation, Human Resources (Team Development) and Communication.
Fighting the social isolation of the elderly: what have we learned from the pandemic? Notes from the project "Porto Importa-se"
Sara Melo and Joana Guedes
Abstract
The pandemic context in which we currently live, caused by COVID-19, has forced the States to define measures that limit the free movement of the population, particularly of groups at risk or who tend to be more vulnerable. Among these, we highlight older people living in residential structures or in the community. Due to advanced age or chronic diseases that debilitate health, part of this group is more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation. It should be noted that many people have lost their usual ways of connecting with family and/or health and social service providers. In this sense, the reflection presented here intends to give an account of the strategies carried out, within the scope of the Porto.Importa-se project, to mitigate the consequences of social isolation imposed on the elderly.
The Porto.Importa-se project is the result of a partnership between the Instituto Superior de Serviço Social do Porto and Domus Social - Empresa de Habitação e Manutenção do Município do Porto, EM. The project aims at the gerontological characterization of senior residents of the municipality's housing complexes and the identification of possible situations of risk of social isolation, understood as being associated with the deprivation of contacts and interaction with significant people, namely family, friends, and neighbors (Lubben, 1988). The achievement of this goal required the development of a gerontological diagnosis that was guided by an information collection protocol, an object of in-depth reflection by the team. In its second edition, the diagnosis took place between October 2020 and March 2021, in the middle of the second and third pandemic waves.
As this is a particularly challenging time for gerontological intervention, we can also see it as an opportunity for professionals to combat age stereotypes that have been reinforced with Covid-19; to alert to the need to measure the phenomena of loneliness and social isolation, rethinking increasingly adjusted interventions; and to exercise training and reflection on social intervention in times of crisis. In this context, we highlight technology-mediated interventions as a contribution to be considered in these (still) uncertain times.
Key-Words: Social Isolation; Elderly People; PORTO.IMPORTA-SE; Gerontological Diagnosis; Technology-mediated interventions;
Short bio
Sara Melo: Degree in Sociology (2002) from the Faculty of Arts from the University of Porto, Master in Development and Social Insertion (2007) from of Faculty of Economics of the University of Porto, and PhD in Sociology (2015) from the Faculty of Arts of the University of Porto. She is Assistant Professor at Instituto Superior de Serviço Social do Porto since 2005 and collaborates regularly with several public and private institutions in academic training activities in the field of Sociology and Social Gerontology. She is an Integrated Researcher at the Instituto de Sociologia da Universidade do Porto (ISUP) and collaborating member of the Research Center in Health Technologies and Services (CINTESIS) and Research Center of Sciences of Social Work (CICSS). Her research interests focus, among others, on social intervention projects through art, social gerontology, and epistemology of social sciences.
Joana Guedes: Degree in Social Work (2001) from Higher Institute of Social Work of Porto, Master in Social Work Sciences, with a specialty in Social Gerontology (2007) and PhD in Gerontology and Geriatrics, with a specialty in Gerontology (2015), from the Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar. She is an integrated member of the Centro Lusíada de Investigação em Serviço Social e Intervenção Social (CLISSIS) and collaborating member of the Center for Research in Technologies and Health Services (CINTESIS). She is Assistant Professor at the Instituto Superior de Serviço Social do Porto, in the areas of social work and social gerontology, assuming the coordination of the Graduation and Master in Social Gerontology. She is also a member of the board of an IPSS. Her research interests focus, among others, on social gerontology, aging in place, and the quality of the elderly social services providers.
Sara Melo and Joana Guedes
Abstract
The pandemic context in which we currently live, caused by COVID-19, has forced the States to define measures that limit the free movement of the population, particularly of groups at risk or who tend to be more vulnerable. Among these, we highlight older people living in residential structures or in the community. Due to advanced age or chronic diseases that debilitate health, part of this group is more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation. It should be noted that many people have lost their usual ways of connecting with family and/or health and social service providers. In this sense, the reflection presented here intends to give an account of the strategies carried out, within the scope of the Porto.Importa-se project, to mitigate the consequences of social isolation imposed on the elderly.
The Porto.Importa-se project is the result of a partnership between the Instituto Superior de Serviço Social do Porto and Domus Social - Empresa de Habitação e Manutenção do Município do Porto, EM. The project aims at the gerontological characterization of senior residents of the municipality's housing complexes and the identification of possible situations of risk of social isolation, understood as being associated with the deprivation of contacts and interaction with significant people, namely family, friends, and neighbors (Lubben, 1988). The achievement of this goal required the development of a gerontological diagnosis that was guided by an information collection protocol, an object of in-depth reflection by the team. In its second edition, the diagnosis took place between October 2020 and March 2021, in the middle of the second and third pandemic waves.
As this is a particularly challenging time for gerontological intervention, we can also see it as an opportunity for professionals to combat age stereotypes that have been reinforced with Covid-19; to alert to the need to measure the phenomena of loneliness and social isolation, rethinking increasingly adjusted interventions; and to exercise training and reflection on social intervention in times of crisis. In this context, we highlight technology-mediated interventions as a contribution to be considered in these (still) uncertain times.
Key-Words: Social Isolation; Elderly People; PORTO.IMPORTA-SE; Gerontological Diagnosis; Technology-mediated interventions;
Short bio
Sara Melo: Degree in Sociology (2002) from the Faculty of Arts from the University of Porto, Master in Development and Social Insertion (2007) from of Faculty of Economics of the University of Porto, and PhD in Sociology (2015) from the Faculty of Arts of the University of Porto. She is Assistant Professor at Instituto Superior de Serviço Social do Porto since 2005 and collaborates regularly with several public and private institutions in academic training activities in the field of Sociology and Social Gerontology. She is an Integrated Researcher at the Instituto de Sociologia da Universidade do Porto (ISUP) and collaborating member of the Research Center in Health Technologies and Services (CINTESIS) and Research Center of Sciences of Social Work (CICSS). Her research interests focus, among others, on social intervention projects through art, social gerontology, and epistemology of social sciences.
Joana Guedes: Degree in Social Work (2001) from Higher Institute of Social Work of Porto, Master in Social Work Sciences, with a specialty in Social Gerontology (2007) and PhD in Gerontology and Geriatrics, with a specialty in Gerontology (2015), from the Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar. She is an integrated member of the Centro Lusíada de Investigação em Serviço Social e Intervenção Social (CLISSIS) and collaborating member of the Center for Research in Technologies and Health Services (CINTESIS). She is Assistant Professor at the Instituto Superior de Serviço Social do Porto, in the areas of social work and social gerontology, assuming the coordination of the Graduation and Master in Social Gerontology. She is also a member of the board of an IPSS. Her research interests focus, among others, on social gerontology, aging in place, and the quality of the elderly social services providers.
COVID's impact on Mercies
Susana M S R Fonseca
Abstract
In recent decades, there has been a constant growth and diversification of the Third Sector, which is formed by non-profit organisations, with social and public purposes, so that their activities complement the actions of the public sector. In the context of economic and social transformations, the COVID-19 pandemic stands out. Besides the impacts on their activity, these organisations believe that the pandemic has intensified a large set of social problems, namely psychological problems, unemployment and poverty.
With this scenario, this article intends to identify which are the main negative impacts that the Mercies, third sector organisations, are undergoing, so that these may be disseminated to Society in general, the Media, the Government, the Entrepreneurs, the Volunteers, the Donors, the Financiers, amongst others, so that the due support and solutions may be created.
A literature review was carried out based on recent studies on the impacts of COVID-19 and a questionnaire was launched to gauge the impact of COVID-19 on Mercies in Portugal.
Keywords: COVID-19 impacts, Mercies
Short bio
Susana M. S. R. Fonseca: PhD in Management UTAD, Msc in Organisational Economics, BA in Management. Researcher in the area of Nonprofit Organizations, Management, Governance, Control Management, with production of referenced articles, technical lectures, international conferences and chapters in books. Adjunct Professor at the School of Technology and Management of Lamego - Polytechnic Institute of Viseu; Member of the Research Centre for Studies in Education and Innovation and . Supervises Master's Theses in Management of Social Organizations. Was part of the organizing and scientific committee of several congresses and seminars
Susana M S R Fonseca
Abstract
In recent decades, there has been a constant growth and diversification of the Third Sector, which is formed by non-profit organisations, with social and public purposes, so that their activities complement the actions of the public sector. In the context of economic and social transformations, the COVID-19 pandemic stands out. Besides the impacts on their activity, these organisations believe that the pandemic has intensified a large set of social problems, namely psychological problems, unemployment and poverty.
With this scenario, this article intends to identify which are the main negative impacts that the Mercies, third sector organisations, are undergoing, so that these may be disseminated to Society in general, the Media, the Government, the Entrepreneurs, the Volunteers, the Donors, the Financiers, amongst others, so that the due support and solutions may be created.
A literature review was carried out based on recent studies on the impacts of COVID-19 and a questionnaire was launched to gauge the impact of COVID-19 on Mercies in Portugal.
Keywords: COVID-19 impacts, Mercies
Short bio
Susana M. S. R. Fonseca: PhD in Management UTAD, Msc in Organisational Economics, BA in Management. Researcher in the area of Nonprofit Organizations, Management, Governance, Control Management, with production of referenced articles, technical lectures, international conferences and chapters in books. Adjunct Professor at the School of Technology and Management of Lamego - Polytechnic Institute of Viseu; Member of the Research Centre for Studies in Education and Innovation and . Supervises Master's Theses in Management of Social Organizations. Was part of the organizing and scientific committee of several congresses and seminars
Lynching, vulnerabilities and punitive society in Brazilian necro politics
Thiago Allisson Cardoso de Jesus
Abstract
Immersed in an environment marked by numerous criminal strategies and the repercussions of the culture of fear and punishment, brazilian society experiences the repercussions of a social issue of historical inequalities and processes of exclusion in the phenomenon of lynching, notably from the ineffectiveness of fundamental social right for all and public policies that ensure citizenship - in its civil, political and social bias - to the people. In this sense, linking the lynchings to sacrificial violence in the context of disenchantment in the field of human rights in contemporary Brazil and in the world, it appears, here, a contribution to think as a complex phenomenon, with multiple peculiarities, from the denial of the Another until the height of its annihilation. Representatives of a criminal necropolitics of instability, criminal, arms escalation, uncommitted to the constitutional axiology of the 1988 Text and the trivialization of violence; the lynchings denote the fragility of the civilizing process and the permanent state of violation of the rights of blacks, the peripheral and the poor, in addition to the recognition of the crisis of legitimacy of the State in dealing with the criminal issue and in its function of providing emancipation, freedoms and citizenship. Certainly, the protagonism by the people in the act of justice with their own hands is based on indifference to the pain of the Other, on the disrepute and distrust in republican institutions and on structural violence, which is invisible and silenced.
Keywords: Lynching. Necropolitics. Violence. Denial. Other.
Short bio
Lawyer. Postdoctoral in Criminal Sciences by the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS/Brazil). Postdoctoral internship in the Global Inequalities and Social Justice Program (Capes/Print) of the University of Brasília (UnB/Brazil) and by the Latin American Faculty of Social Studies (FLACSo/Brazil). Permanent Teacher of the Master of Law at Ceuma University (Maranhão, Brazil). Assistant Editor of the Brazilian Journal of Criminal Procedural Law. Researcher of the Network and International Observatory on Forced Disappearance (ROAD). PhD and Master in Public Policy from the Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA, Brazil). Bachelor of Laws from UFMA. Adjunct Professor I of the Law Course at the State University of Maranhão and at the Ceuma University (Maranhão, Brazil). Scientific Advisor (FAPEMA and CNPQ) and extension activities. Member of the National and International of Opinion of the National Council for Research and Graduate Studies in Law (CONPEDI). Member of the ‘DIALETICCA: School of Research, Scientific Consulting and Projects. Author of “The (in) order of discourse in matters of public security” launched in 2020 by Editora Tirant Lo Blanch and several other works.
Thiago Allisson Cardoso de Jesus
Abstract
Immersed in an environment marked by numerous criminal strategies and the repercussions of the culture of fear and punishment, brazilian society experiences the repercussions of a social issue of historical inequalities and processes of exclusion in the phenomenon of lynching, notably from the ineffectiveness of fundamental social right for all and public policies that ensure citizenship - in its civil, political and social bias - to the people. In this sense, linking the lynchings to sacrificial violence in the context of disenchantment in the field of human rights in contemporary Brazil and in the world, it appears, here, a contribution to think as a complex phenomenon, with multiple peculiarities, from the denial of the Another until the height of its annihilation. Representatives of a criminal necropolitics of instability, criminal, arms escalation, uncommitted to the constitutional axiology of the 1988 Text and the trivialization of violence; the lynchings denote the fragility of the civilizing process and the permanent state of violation of the rights of blacks, the peripheral and the poor, in addition to the recognition of the crisis of legitimacy of the State in dealing with the criminal issue and in its function of providing emancipation, freedoms and citizenship. Certainly, the protagonism by the people in the act of justice with their own hands is based on indifference to the pain of the Other, on the disrepute and distrust in republican institutions and on structural violence, which is invisible and silenced.
Keywords: Lynching. Necropolitics. Violence. Denial. Other.
Short bio
Lawyer. Postdoctoral in Criminal Sciences by the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS/Brazil). Postdoctoral internship in the Global Inequalities and Social Justice Program (Capes/Print) of the University of Brasília (UnB/Brazil) and by the Latin American Faculty of Social Studies (FLACSo/Brazil). Permanent Teacher of the Master of Law at Ceuma University (Maranhão, Brazil). Assistant Editor of the Brazilian Journal of Criminal Procedural Law. Researcher of the Network and International Observatory on Forced Disappearance (ROAD). PhD and Master in Public Policy from the Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA, Brazil). Bachelor of Laws from UFMA. Adjunct Professor I of the Law Course at the State University of Maranhão and at the Ceuma University (Maranhão, Brazil). Scientific Advisor (FAPEMA and CNPQ) and extension activities. Member of the National and International of Opinion of the National Council for Research and Graduate Studies in Law (CONPEDI). Member of the ‘DIALETICCA: School of Research, Scientific Consulting and Projects. Author of “The (in) order of discourse in matters of public security” launched in 2020 by Editora Tirant Lo Blanch and several other works.
