Like many other European welfare states, the Netherlands decentralized its social care policy towards Dutch municipalities, to enhance client-tailored approaches within the delivery of social care...Show moreLike many other European welfare states, the Netherlands decentralized its social care policy towards Dutch municipalities, to enhance client-tailored approaches within the delivery of social care services. As a result, social workers working for municipalities are now in charge of freely interpreting and engaging in client-tailoring in a manner they deem best for their cases. Given that social workers inhabit various role conceptions, this research focuses on how social workers’ role conceptions impact the manner in which they define and pursue client-tailoring. To analyse this, this qualitative research conducted twelve in-depth interviews with Dutch social workers from different municipalities and social care domains: income and employment reintegration processes, long-term care, youth care and social assistance. The data-analysis, and results and findings of this study show how inhabiting various role conceptions affect how client-tailoring is defined and pursued.Show less
Using an existing framework, it is argued that the EUs identity is quantifiable, with the use of role conceptions (RCs), allowing the comparison of the EUs identity development over time and space,...Show moreUsing an existing framework, it is argued that the EUs identity is quantifiable, with the use of role conceptions (RCs), allowing the comparison of the EUs identity development over time and space, by capturing the values, interests and objectives of the EU, as expressed by consecutive High Representatives of the EU. The complex institutional structure, the highly international nature of the EUs foreign policy making machinery, and to some extent public opinion and security concerns are found to define the EUs foreign policy identity. Seeing as the Lisbon Treaty changes and solidifies the quasi-constitutional foundations of the EU, expands its foreign policy capacities by creating the EEAS and the dual hatted position of High Representative of foreign policy and Vice President of the European Commission), permitting increased foreign policy action and legitimacy, it is thought to change the overall balance of RCs, construing the overall identity of the EU. Using an existing role-set presents many challenges, which this thesis tries to overcome by developing a set of rules and expanding the framework. The results show that the EUs identity changes significantly from Solana to Ashton, increasing the representation of the Stabiliser and Promoter/Defender of Peace and Security RCs, and shifting from RCs emphasizing leadership roles to ones emphasizing international cooperation from Ashton to Mogherini. It is argued that these results show that the Lisbon Treaty develops the capabilities to pursue an increasingly active foreign policy, which allows the EU to respond increasingly to its objectives outlined therein. Policy implementation in relation to providing sustainable solutions to conflict, solving the migration crisis and fighting climate change, through international cooperation correlate to the shifts in the EUs identity.Show less
