The Power of the Stranger: Structures and Dynamics in Social Intervention - A Theoretical Framework

The decline of the welfare state in Western Europe has led to an increasing role both for citizen-led initiatives and for philanthropy in easing, solving or preventing social problems. Helping and care are moving into the hands of strangers people driven by enthusiasm and commitment but unfamiliar with the pitfalls of social intervention. The aim of this book is to review and assess the development of research on social intervention over the past twenty-five years and to set out a new theoretical framework for a number of basic principles which play a role in social intervention at the individual level (social work/casework, counselling and coaching), at group level (advising organizations, consultancy) and at societal level (community work/social development). The authors take Simmel's ideas of the stranger or third element as inspiration. They highlight the positive role that the stranger can play and argue that it is important to reflect on the role and significance of this third element -- the advisor, the consultant, the social worker, the middle-manager -- when analysing and improving the methods used in social intervention. This book is for academics, researchers, practitioners, sutdents and policymakers who are interested in the how, why and wherefore of social intervention. Contents: Preface: the new strangers; Introduction; The 3rd element; Elaboration of a triadic social intervention model; Legitimacy: contracts; Values; Attitude: how to handle asymmetry; The role of magic and rituals; Community work as 3rd element; Dynamizing the Western European welfare state model; Needs and philanthropy; Index. About the Author: Gert J.F. Leene is a former lecturer in Sociology of Social Work at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Theo N.M. Schuyt is Professor of Philanthropic Studies at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and member of the editorial board of the Belgium/Dutch Journal Sociale Interventie (Social Intervention).