Is Work with Migrants Among the Most Hated Jobs in Czechia? Reactions in the Social Environment

Agnieszka Zogata-Kusz

Abstract:

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper is to find out what kinds of reactions in the community people working with foreigners in NGOs experience in connection with their work and what impact these reactions have on them. THEORETICAL BASE: The problem is viewed from the perspective of social functioning and an ecological approach. METHODS: The paper is based on the analysis of quantitative research data (questionnaire) and qualitative research (semistructured interviews). OUTCOMES: The main findings are that three-quarters of respondents perceive a negative attitude by society towards NGOs working with immigrants, but only a minority of them encounter actual negative comments toward themselves. The overall atmosphere in society toward foreigners and NGOs, coupled with the experience of individual NGO workers facing various threats, results in the enclosure of these people into their social bubble. This makes it difficult for workers to properly represent their clients to the broader society. Support from their family and friends is a vital factor in the prevention of burnout syndrome; it is significant for their social functioning, especially when they face a conflict of loyalties. SOCIAL WORK IMPLICATIONS: The findings can be used, for example, in the supervision provided in NGOs working with foreigners and for reflection on NGO management regarding the differentiation of employee roles.

Keywords:

immigrants, refugees, integration, non-governmental organisations, roles, public attitudes, social functioning, social bubble

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