Building reciprocity: From safety‐net to social transformation programmes

Abstract

Topics of societal concern such as mental health and poverty reduction increasingly require action programmes that operate within broad psychosocial and social justice perspectives. Models of practice centred in individual needs, although important, are not powerful enough to bring about social change when they operate in isolation. In this article, we present the findings resulting from the observation of programmes engaged in collaborating with socio‐economically disadvantaged individuals, families, and communities. The programmes selected for study were nationally or internationally recognized for the quality and innovation of their methodologies or for having been subjected to scientific attention; some met both criteria. Altogether, 15 programmes were visited, in North and South America and Europe. Through a grounded theory methodology, the processes of data collection and analysis led to the development of a theoretical framework that identifies a continuum of programmes aimed at supporting the development of individuals, families, and communities and that has at its core the central process of building reciprocity. This article presents and describes the continuum of programmes and how each type relates to the process of building reciprocity and establishes links with other relevant and significant concepts in the framework. Finally, implications for further research are explored.

‘My new home?’: Strategies and challenges of refugee integration programs in Portugal

“…The remaining positive practices were only mentioned by the professionals. These outcomes appear to confirm the idea that the feeling of belonging and pride in their participants is characteristic of the social transformation programs (Minas et al, 2019).…”

“…Apart from the genuine motivation that emerges associated with the professionals of all the programs, the establishment of positive interpersonal relationships and open communication are mostly associated with the social transformation program. These practices are identified in the literature as methods to be pursued (AASW, 2016) and are aligned with what characterizes social transformation programs (Minas et al, 2019).…”

“…The results also point to the insufficient impact of the social transformation program, compared to the participants' wishes and expectations. This is predictable, considering the macro nature of the objectives of these types of programs (Minas et al, 2019).…”

“…Thus, safety‐net programs aim to support people in their struggle for survival and focus their forces on meeting their most basic and immediate needs to guarantee social security and protection (Minas et al, 2019). Promotion programs support participants in identifying and developing their resources and skills and in pursuing their objectives, to promote autonomy regarding dependence on external subsidies and support (Minas et al, 2019). Co‐construction programs aim to create environments that promote the mutual development of participants and professionals and thus increase leadership and participation for all.…”

“…A diversity of programs and strategies, combining both welfare and civic engagement approaches, are needed to guarantee social support (Minas et al, 2019). Through the analysis of six programs that aim to promote the integration of refugees in Portugal and its framing in the categorization grid of social programs ‘Dynamics of Reciprocity in the Development of Individuals, Communities and Programs’ (Minas et al, 2018), this study explores the relationship between approaches, practices and outputs, reflecting on what needs to be developed to enhance the outputs and efficacy of the programs.…”