Shaping a de-institutionalized professional. Exploring a socio-spatial professional orientation

PhD student: Dries Cautreels
Summary: De-institutionalization (DI) is framed and recognized internationally as a lever for the realisation of inclusion for citizens with disabilities. In research, policy and practice, DI has historically been framed as the dismantling of residential care to pursue the creation of community-based living, housing, and working environments. Nevertheless, the circulation of a controlling and oppressive culture and institutional logics in a variety of settings remains and a lack of inclusive social relationships still prevails in many situations. DI thus refers not only to the location and nature of the architectural and spatial embedding, but also to autonomy, an institutional culture and… professionalism. In my research, I will therefore focus on processes of ‘professionalisation’ to reconsider ‘institutional professional cultures and logics’ as a central theme and conceptualise a de-institutionalised (individual and collective) professional orientation as a vital prerequisite to realise DI.
PhD in Social Work
Promoter(s): Griet Roets , Rudi Roose
Periode of time: March 2022 - March 2026