The situation of social work in the semi-peripheral Hungarian reality

Mikula, Zsolt (2024) The situation of social work in the semi-peripheral Hungarian reality. FÓRUM TÁRSADALOMTUDOMÁNYI SZEMLE: A SZLOVÁKIAI MAGYAR TUDOMÁNYOS MŰHELYEK FOLYÓIRATA, XXVI (2024/5). pp. 121-136. ISSN 1335-4361

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Abstract

This research investigates the contemporary state of social work in Hungary by examining the evolution of interest relationships within the socio-economic-political value system, shaped by both national and global economic policies. Utilizing Immanuel Wallerstein’s world-systems theory, which categorizes nations into core, semi-peripheral, and peripheral groups based on their economic and political influence, this study analyzes the effects of Hungary’s historical and economic development on its social work sector. As a semi-peripheral country, Hungary has encountered substantial social and economic challenges following its transition from socialism. The study underscores the implications of global economic trends and the dependency of semi-peripheral and peripheral countries on core nations. Although the unrestricted flow of capital and technology benefits core countries and multinational corporations, it exacerbates inequalities in less developed nations. Hungary’s post-socialist transformation has led to the erosion of the middle class and heightened social inequalities, further aggravated by a shift towards a workfare society that prioritizes economic growth over social welfare.

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