Divorce in intercultural families with children in Finland : A qualitative study from a social worker’s perspective

Abstract: The aim of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the perceptions and experiences of social workers working with divorcing intercultural families with children in Finland. From the social workers’ point of view, the study investigated what were the special characteristics and what kind of expertise social workers used when working with divorcing intercultural families with children. A qualitative research methodology was applied to this study. The interview data were collected from three social workers and analysed by a thematic analysis through two themes; special characteristics and social work expertise. The theory of intersectionality was applied in order to further analyse the findings. The findings of the study identified that the special characteristics included cultural differences, communication, prejudices, and attitudes, as well as significant risk and conflict factors. The expertise social workers used involved interaction and language skills, reflection, legal knowledge, and cultural competencies. Further findings identified that, in the future, attention should be paid to the development of intercultural social work in Finland.