“Help! Who will help me?” Families, communities, markets, and social policies in response to social issues

Abstract

Through images and narratives, the seminar will explore the relationship between social issues and needs, and the forms of support developed for the most vulnerable populations in Italy and three very different countries like India, China and with a special focus on South Africa. The content presented is a public-oriented outcome of two IRSES Marie Curie research projects funded by the European Union.

Speakers

• Alessandro Sicora, Dipartimento di Sociologia e Ricerca Sociale, Università di Trento
• Marianne Strydom, Chair of the Department of Social Work at the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa

Prof. Dr. Marianne Strydom is a highly qualified professional with extensive experience in child and family welfare.

Her career spans significant contributions to both practice and education in social work, including roles as a community worker and social work supervisor, where she has positively impacted the well-being of children and families.

In the academic realm, she teaches courses on child welfare and family counseling, while her research focuses on social development, child protection and the impact of neoliberal discourse on welfare services, with a strong emphasis on enhancing family support systems and social work education.