The research subject social work concerns traditional social issues regarding the welfare of children and families, substance misuse and addiction, ageing, disability, and poverty and other manifestations of structural inequality. Research is carried out using both practical and theoretical knowledge models.

The focus of the research ranges from individuals and groups in vulnerable life situations to societal circumstances influencing people’s conditions and life chances. The research asks questions about how social vulnerability arises, and how to prevent and counteract it. It is about how social work can be organised in terms of interventions and mobilisation, and also about the organisation and impact of welfare and social-political measures. The user perspective, as well as that of social workers and professionals, inform the research.

Research also deals with issues connected to experiences of migration processes, encounters with welfare institutions, as well as the response of social work to migration and diversity.

Other important elements of research are sexuality studies, and issues related to sustainable urban development.

Researchers, publications and projects

Research environments

The Centre for Sexology and Sexuality Studies carries out multidisciplinary research on sexuality from social science, humanistic, medical and clinical perspectives. Our aim is to develop and stimulate faculty-wide research in sexology and sexuality studies, and also to strengthen national and international research collaboration within the field.

Malmö Institute for Studies of Migration, Diversity and Welfare (MIM) is an international research centre with a multidisciplinary profile and a strong international presence.

Doctoral studies in Social work

Malmö University offers Doctoral studies in Social work.

Social Work is a study of individuals and groups in vulnerable life situations and of social conditions that affect people’s living conditions.

The studies take their point of departure in social problems but also include factors and strategies that prevent and counteract social marginalisation and exclusion. Social work also comprises studies of the social interventions and of the human service organisations which provide such interventions.

Contact for doctoral studies in Social work: Erica Righard

Read more about doctoral studies at Malmö University 

The podcast explores social work education in different regions and from different perspectives – in the east, west, north and south. It is produced by the Department of Social Work in collaboration with the European Association of Schools of Social Work (EASSW) and features voices and experiences from educators across the network.

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