Mothers of persons with Down's Syndrome as clients of social services – Norway and Poland

The subject of this presentation is situation of mothers of children, teenagers and adults with Down’s Syndrome as clients of social services. It is an attempt to compare women’s attitudes towards social care system and... [ view full abstract ]

The subject of this presentation is situation of mothers of children, teenagers and adults with Down’s Syndrome as clients of social services. It is an attempt to compare women’s attitudes towards social care system and social workers in Norway and in Poland.

The presentation is based on qualitative research carried out in Poland and in Norway among mothers of persons with Down’s Syndrome (2009 – 2011). The study results show significant differences between participants in mentioned countries. Being a client of social services in Poland may be considered shameful and stigmatizing, whereas in Norway it seems natural to receive them when needed. The reason for that may be the image of both social services and social care clients in Polish and Norwegian societies. In Poland social care is usually associated with pathology, unemployment, alcoholism, personal tragedy. What is more, to manage without social care, even if a person is entitled to receive its services, may be considered something to be proud of. According to study participants from Norway it is obvious that one becomes the receiver of social services when entitled and it is not something to be ashamed of. The presentation discusses main differences among Polish and Norwegian participants when becoming a client of social care is concerned.