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Professional stances and personal values in the realm of transnational family reunification with older parents: social work practice in an emerging field
- Authors:
- VUILLE Marilene, BOLZMAN Claudio, DURRETT Elisabeth Hirsch
- Journal article citation:
- European Journal of Social Work, 16(3), 2013, pp.407-426.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
National rules for family reunification take place in an increasingly transnational context. Social workers in Switzerland, whether they work in services for migrants or for elders, are confronted with requests for transnational family reunification with older parents. While relatively rare, such requests elicit responses which must be viewed as largely founded on professionals' values and norms regarding the care of older people, family cohabitation and the influence of cultural factors. These requests must also be examined against a backdrop of increasing suspicion of motives for migration, especially in fields where migration issues have not been at the forefront of professional debate and practice. The militant stance of some services for migrants can thus be contrasted with the relative inexperience of professionals active in social services for older people, who rarely encounter recent migrants. The latter are more likely to reflect their own private—and unexamined—views when advising clients in a field characterised by complexity and instability. The authors interviewed social workers and families in two Swiss cantons. Their results point to ways in which distinct professional cultures could enrich each other, and provide social workers with tools to critically analyse their own practice in a very difficult field, the contours of which remain largely unexplored. (Edited publisher abstract)
Democratization of ageing: also a reality for elderly immigrants?
- Author:
- BOLZMAN Claudio
- Journal article citation:
- European Journal of Social Work, 15(1), 2012, pp.97-113.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Various papers published in Switzerland and elsewhere in Europe have highlighted an improvement in the living conditions of people reaching retirement age. The aim of this paper is to examine whether this general trend to old age democratisation applies also to elderly immigrants. Specifically, it explores the socioeconomic and health situation of the older immigrant population in Switzerland, as well as their access to social security and to social services for elderly people. It reports selected findings from 2 original surveys carried in Switzerland in the 1990s (Pre-Retired Immigrants study, PRI) and the 2000s (Minority Elderly Care study, MEC) on older Italian, Spanish and former Yugoslavians citizens who are residents in the country. The findings show that elderly immigrants are overrepresented among the poor and the sick. Officially, most foreign elders have the same right to social security as Swiss elders. However, because of their shorter residence in Switzerland and lower wages, their pensions and occupational benefits are lower. Moreover, they are not always entitled to supplementary benefits because they have not resided long enough in Switzerland. Even when they are entitled to them, they may be hesitant to ask for fear of losing their residence permit.
Older labour migrants' well being in Europe: the case of Switzerland
- Authors:
- BOLZMAN Claudio, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 24(3), May 2004, pp.411-429.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Examines several aspects of the social situation of the older immigrant population in Switzerland. Reviews their demographic history and characteristics and provides profiles of their health and well being, their material standard of life and access to social security and related benefits. It reports selected findings from an original survey of older Italian and Spanish citizens who are resident in the country, which show relatively high rates of disadvantage and poverty. The determination of a large proportion of the immigrant population to remain in Switzerland after they have ceased work demonstrates that the minorities who entered the country as labour migrants will become a permanent element of the Swiss population and its society. Neither the politicians nor the general public in Switzerland have yet accepted the reality of this new diversity. Concludes by discussing the social policy and attitudinal options that face the governments and the population of Switzerland and many other European countries.
The construction of Heimat under conditions of individualised modernity: Swiss and British elderly migrants in Spain
- Authors:
- HUBER Andreas, O'REILLY Karen
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 24(3), May 2004, pp.327-351.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Presents the findings of a quantitative study of Swiss elderly residents on the Costa Blanca (in the Province of Alicante, Spain) and of an ethnographic study of their British counterparts in Fuengirola and Los Boliches on the Costa del Sol (in the Province of Málaga). Examines the German concept Heimat and its value as an organising construct for understanding the aspirations and actions of foreign retirees resident in Spain, and explores whether globalisation undermines locality to the extent that being in a particular geographical place is no longer a prerequisite for feeling at home. Describes the social life and patterns of association of these groups of retired people, in terms of social clubs, leisure activities, voluntary associations, charity groups and self-help groups, relations with home, and relations to Spaniards and people from other countries. Compares the results of the two studies in an analysis of the strategies that the two groups adopt for constructing social communities and for finding a new home. Provides some insights into what older people seek in later life in terms of their residence, co-resident groups, social contacts and lifestyle choices.