Financial literacy in the context of social work

Abstract

The article analyses financial literacy development in the context of social work, using a qualitative research approach to review the experiences of 7 social workers. The research was conducted in autumn 2024 in Lithuania with social workers from Kaunas County. The problems identified by the social workers are related to the financial illiteracy of social service recipients, i.e. inability to manage budgets, lack of knowledge in the field of financial management, inappropriate attitude towards finances, lack of responsibility and even misuse of the social support system. This raises controversial questions about the policy of social service provision and its impact on the willingness of social service recipients to improve their financial situation. Summarising the findings of the qualitative research, it can be said that the study has highlighted the need to increase the competence of social workers and, with the help of the research participants, has provided concrete recommendations to improve the level of financial literacy and promote the economic empowerment of social service recipients. In addition to the need for financial literacy counselling and training for beneficiaries of social services, social workers also stress that such services should be free of charge. To summarise the researchers’ insights, the most important thing is to motivate the beneficiaries of social services to take full responsibility for their own/family’s financial situation and to empower them to take the necessary actions and changes.