"Things Are Not Well":
Learning from the Lived Experiences of Social Workers Engaged with Refugee Populations in Greece
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.57947/qrp.v65i1-3.234Keywords:
refugees, social work, Greece, resettlement, migrationAbstract
The global refugee crisis persists while Greece continues its struggle to manage hundreds of thousands of refugees. Geographically proximate to the Middle East and Africa and a member of the European Union, Greece is a primary entry point for refugees. In the context of longstanding economic and political strife, this article explores the experiences of social workers engaged with refugees in Greece to capture current practices at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Herein, social work roles are examined, as well as the perceived impact of their work, coping strategies, and recommendations for education and training in refugee social work. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this study includes content analysis of qualitative data gathered through empirically based structured interviews, alongside descriptive data analysis of Likert-type items. Key themes emerged, highlighting systemic issues, disparities in refugee treatment based on nationality, and optimal training approaches for future practitioners. Quantitative analysis reveals, with minimal variability, that social workers from this sample feel they are performing with somewhat to significant effectiveness with their refugee clients. Overall, the study underscores significant systemic challenges in Greece's response to refugees. However, it also recognizes the resilience of refugee populations and the dedication of numerous individuals and organizations in providing essential services and support.
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