A1 Journal article (refereed)
Discursive Strategies to Negotiate Power Relations in Disability Services Client Juries (2022)

Nykänen, H., Asunta, L., & Mikkola, L. (2022). Discursive Strategies to Negotiate Power Relations in Disability Services Client Juries. Health Communication, 37(4), 457-466. https://doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2020.1851455

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Nykänen, Hanna; Asunta, Laura; Mikkola, Leena

Journal or series: Health Communication

ISSN: 1041-0236

eISSN: 1532-7027

Publication year: 2022

Publication date: 24/11/2020

Volume: 37

Issue number: 4

Pages range: 457-466

Publisher: Routledge

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2020.1851455

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/72854

Abstract

Collaboration with clients is an efficient way to develop social services. To strengthen the possibilities for clients to influence services, client juries are established. However, collaboration in the juries is perceived as difficult because of the power imbalance inherent in the client–social worker relationship. The aim of this study was to examine how the participants negotiated power relations in client jury meetings. The data consisted of four observed disability services client jury meetings. Analysis was performed using action-implicative discourse analysis, which aims to define different communicative problems, interactional strategies, and situated ideals of communicative practices. The results revealed the use of four main strategies to negotiate power relations in client jury meetings: avoiding conflicts with clients, trying to reveal injustice, taking responsibility, and widening the perspective. By studying the interactions within the disability services client juries, the methods for promoting the involvement of service users in developing social services can be improved.

Keywords: social services; services for the disabled; customers; customership; cooperation (general); negotiations; exercise of power; conversation analysis; discourse analysis

Free keywords: clients; social services

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2022

Preliminary JUFO rating: 1