Participation in Social Work Possibilities and Limitations of Participation of Services Users Using the Example of Homeless People

The article describes the possibilities and limitations of the participation of service users using the example of homelessness. Participation is defined as the involvement of individuals, groups and communities in decision-making processes which affect them directly or indirectly. Empowerment is regarded as a fundamental precondition of participation by which individuals and groups and communities enhance their capacity to be informed, make choices and transform these choices into desired actions and outcomes. The article shows forms of and approaches to participation and gives concrete examples of participation practices in service user organizations for homeless people. Finally, it deals with the neoliberal misinterpretation of empowerment. The article underlines that participation is a matter of power and the transfer of power as a measure of participation. Where participation is not connected to decision making it is merely a talking shop and tokenism. Participation does not exclude the need for support! It concerns the matter of how the support is provided and aims to increase the autonomy of the homeless people.

Keywords: participation, empowerment, homelessness, social work, decision making processes