Vulnerable persons in society: an insider's perspective

Area of Science:

• Social Policy
• Sociology
• Psychology

Background:

• Social policy promotes self-reliance and social participation.
• Individuals not meeting these standards are labeled as "vulnerable people."
• The concept of vulnerability is central to social policy and individual well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the insider's perspective on being labeled a "vulnerable person."
• To gain deeper insight into the meaning of vulnerability from the viewpoint of those affected.
• To understand how social interactions shape the perception of vulnerability.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 33 in-depth interviews with 16 individuals identified as "vulnerable people."
• Employed thematic content analysis to analyze interview data.
• Focused on the insider's perspective to define vulnerability.

Main Results:

• Identified three main dimensions and eight sub-dimensions of perceived vulnerability.
• Developed an insider's concept of vulnerability, encompassing its manifestations, associated feelings, and public image.
• Revealed that perceived vulnerability intensifies through societal interactions, particularly with social policy implementers.

Conclusions:

• Societal interaction, especially with social policy, can increase perceived vulnerability, leading to societal vulnerability.
• Societal vulnerability is characterized by unrecognized strengths, lack of self-determination, and unmet needs.
• Acknowledging the insider's perspective can enable social policy to be more empowering and enhance well-being for "vulnerable people."