Research

In this section you will find five cases addressing different aspects of the role of social work in sustainable urban development. Each case presents a concrete context with lessons and exercises that follow to help you apply the case material theoretically and in thinking about your own practice. You will also find resource suggestions for further reading.  

In addition, you can access our Digital Map accesible below the cases. The Digital Map functions as a visual support to the context of the cases, mapping the conflicting values identified in the specific case.      

Amsterdam case

This case explores the processes of urban renewal and gentrification in a specific neighborhood in Amsterdam. To understand the dynamics, present in a changing neighborhood, it is necessary to dive into the specific context. Processes like urban renewal and gentrification can be theorized, however, those very processes are utmost contextual at the same time, and we need contextual insights to understand the experiences and perspectives of different stakeholders. This case focuses on how vulnerable people in a developing neighborhood like this one experience urban issues and conflicts. Key challenges include housing shortages, group and cultural differences and tensions, unemployment, and lack of access to social services.
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Ljubljana case

Polje III is a neighbourhood in the outskirts of Ljubljana. Families, living in this neighbourhood, often face an accumulation of socio-economic and psychosocial problems and residents are often immigrants, mainly from Serbia, Bosnia or Macedonia (or 2nd or 3rd generation immigrants). The main conflict in the case of Polje III is the “war” between residents over a green public area in the neighbourhood, namely between a group of teenagers and a group of adults. The community dynamics in Polje III show the struggle for influence over the rules in the neighbourhood and the effort to manage the common space according to one's own interests and ideas of what is right and wrong, acceptable, desirable etc. The case addresses how social workers can play a role in conflict solving, peacebuilding and participation in conflict-ridden communities.

Copenhagen case

The case focuses on the ways in which public spaces in the city are negotiated by different stakeholders and particularly explores how the more marginalized voices are represented and included in urban development. The case unfolds different perspectives on the problems that arise from the presence of a so-called “drinking community” in a public square in Copenhagen. Through the concept of place and the example of the public square in Copenhagen, the case claims that different people’s connection to a specific place is a central dimension when trying to find sustainable urban solutions.
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Helsinki case

Despite Finland’s image as inclusive and equitable country, many intercultural families and social work professionals in Helsinki experience a profound gap between these espoused societal values and their everyday reality — particularly when it comes to agency and belonging in the city. The case highlights a discrepancy between intercultural families’ understanding of agency and belonging and that of the professionals’, those who work with intercultural families. This discrepancy challenges assumptions about who is ‘close to the ground’ and who is engaged in structural change. And yet, despite these differences, both groups converge on one thing: the everyday as the only space where agency still feels possible: whether it’s choosing how to raise your children or continuing to advocate despite feeling unheard.
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Lyon case

The relationship between children with intellectual disabilities and inclusion in the city is discussed in this case, as well as the role of the youth workers as translators and advocates of the needs of the children. The case study analyses the care system provided to children with intellectual disabilities in France based on the case of one specific place hosting them in the Lyon region: the DIME (Medical and Educational Institute) Aline Renard. The focus of the case is both understanding the debates surrounding the care of young people with disabilities in France, and how young people with disabilities develop their relationship with urban space, and what hinders and encourages them to explore it.
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Digital map

Using the search button on the left side of the map you can zoom in to the specific context of the case you are working with. In each city you will find pins relevant to the case. 

The map lets you visit the specific places of interest to the case, and provides both a visual and spatial dimension to the written material, as well as clarifies which values that are identified and conflicting in specific locations.
The pins are of different colours relating to values identified in the research.

Purple: Power
Orange: Participation
Yellow: Mixed values
Blue: Place of significance without specific values identified