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The ideas of ethnicity among social work students and practitioners in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina

Sehic, Belma; Finne, Joakim
Master thesis
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URI
https://hdl.handle.net/10642/6924
Date
2018
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  • SAM - Master i Sosialt arbeid [242]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to explore the ideas about ethnicity and ethnic identity among social work students

and practitioners in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Knowledge about ethnicity is an essential

aspect of social work theory for understanding, working and interacting with different ethnic groups,

individuals, families, and communities. The study is based on three-month fieldwork in Sarajevo, with a

mixed method approach, consisting of qualitative in-depth interviews with students and experts of social

work (n=9), and a quantitative survey with students (n=91) of social work and social science. Findings from

the quantitative survey showed that ethnicity and ethnic identity is of importance to the participants, and they

show strong emotional attachment to their own ethnic group and exploration of ethnic identity. However,

some of the questions regarding exploration of ethnic identity, such as cultural practice and activity, are seen

to be less prominent in comparison to ethnic identity commitment. The qualitative findings showed that the

ideas of ethnicity and ethnic identity is expressed and can be explained through different topics such as

religion, friends, family, heritage, and narratives. The context of Sarajevo emerged as an important element.

Furthermore, studying social work and living in an ethnically diverse city seemed to contribute to shaping

the perceptions of ethnicity and ethnic identity among the participants. Some of the findings indicate that the

participants in this research might be affected by being a part of a majority (Bosniaks) in Sarajevo, and

thereby lacking the understanding of being a minority. Moreover, it appeared to be important for the social

work students and practitioners to explain that they would not discriminate different ethnic groups and that

they work and study together despite being from different regions/countries. Similarly, in practical daily life,

there is agreement of togetherness, respect for diversity, and prosperity for a brighter future. The findings are

discussed in light of ethnic identity theory, narratives and heritage, micro-interactionism and social structure,

as well as previous research, with particular attention to implications for social work.
Description
Master i sosialfag
Publisher
OsloMet - storbyuniversitetet

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