Peter Raeymaeckers associate professor

Research Peter Raeymaeckers

Research team

Impact Evaluation of Social Work as a Reflexive, Relational Practice of Co-Production of Knowledge through the use of a Program Theory. 01/11/2024 - 31/10/2025

Abstract

change gradually takes shape. The impact evaluation of such practices is therefore complex. Yet organizations proceed because within the realm of social work impact measurement becomes more imperative. We observe various commendable efforts, but the use of co-creative methods on impactevaluation for social work practice, remains underresearched. To tackle this lack of empirical research, I delve into methodologies that go beyond conventional methods, seeking to identify, develop and employ measures that align more closely with the complex nature of social work interventions. I examine a crucial part of the practice of impact evaluation, namely the co-production of knowledge on impact of social work practices. I will do this by (a) identifying research gaps that I seek to address in this PhD, (b) aggregating and academically contextualizing several practiceoriented researches and self-developed instruments that are better aligned with social work practices, (c) involving stakeholders, staff, professionals, and clients in tailoring instruments to specific social work practices, mixing quantitative and qualitative data and, use a method of participative analysis, and (d) employing program theory as a unifying framework for all research steps.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Networks of professionals and informal caregivers: a social network analysis. 01/10/2023 - 30/09/2027

Abstract

Public service organizations are increasingly using networks of volunteers and professionals to support, guide and provide services to vulnerable groups. Against this background, this study (1) analyzes the structure of networks and positions in networks of volunteers and professionals public service organizations, and (2) analyzes how professionals, volunteers, and patients evaluate these networks. This research develops and validates theoretical assumptions about networks between individuals working together in the roles of volunteers and paid staff. Our project has a strong empirical component. Given the nature of the research questions, we will combine quantitative and qualitative research methods, including interviews, network analysis and evaluation research. The planned research will contribute to the literature on social networks, social work, and volunteer management.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Networks of volunteers and paid staff: A mixed method analysis on network positions, structure and effectiveness. 01/01/2023 - 31/12/2026

Abstract

Public and nonprofit organizations are increasingly relying on social networks of volunteers and paid staff for social service delivery. Against this background, we rely on social network analysis to advance theoretical and practical knowledge on (1) the structure of networks and positions in networks of volunteers and paid staff in public and nonprofit organizations, and (2) how volunteers and paid staff use their social networks to reach more effective social services. Our two theoretical objectives focus on (1) development and validation of detailed theoretical propositions about the networks between individuals that collaborate in the roles of volunteers and paid staff and (2) creation of a deeper theoretical understanding of the managerial and policy actions that decision-makers can apply in order to improve social service networks. These objectives are further elaborated in six concrete research questions, which are the foci of the work packages in our planned approach. Our project has a strong empirical component. Given the nature of the research questions, we will apply quantitative and qualitative research methods, including interviews, network analysis, Q-sorting interviews, and conjoint experiments. The planned research will contribute – through the interdisciplinary collaboration of the applicants – to the literature on social networks, social work, and volunteer management.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Evaluation of social work practices 04/10/2019 - 31/12/2025

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the city of Antwerp. UA provides the research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Criminal Justice - Exit grant : Bridging Inside Out. 02/01/2023 - 31/12/2023

Abstract

De doelstelling van dit project is het schrijven van een boek over buddyprojecten ter ondersteuning van mensen na detentie. Het boek is gebaseerd op actieonderzoek uitgevoerd tussen 2016 en 2022 naar hoe vrijwilligers in samenwerking met professionals mensen na detentie ondersteunen in hun integratieproces in de samenleving

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Report based on analyses of transcripts of the coordination meeting and working group meeting from the action research on impact evaluation within the CAW. 12/09/2022 - 03/10/2022

Abstract

This project includes a small assignment for CAW Antwerp. The researcher provided advice on the development of an impact measurement instrument. The researcher provided advice based on an impact evaluation in residential counseling services.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Evaluation of complex practices 30/06/2022 - 31/08/2023

Abstract

We provide advice and support to researchers of EMINO vzw. Emino is conducting an evaluation research on practices to promote and support activation and well-being of young people. The researchers UAntwerpen support the researchers of EMINO in conducting this evaluation research.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Needs and reïntegration of people after detention (BruG onderzoek) 04/12/2021 - 03/01/2024

Abstract

This project includes a work package of a research project on the reintegration process of people after detention. We are conducting focus groups from the quantitative and qualitative research findings. We formulate recommendations for improved practices that support people after detention.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Impact evaluation of social work practices 01/11/2020 - 30/04/2022

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Flemish government. UA provides the research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Energy and water poverty barometer with EU SILC Data 2009 - 2019 28/10/2020 - 31/01/2021

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the KBS. UA provides the research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Co-creating complementary forms of welfare support across faith-based organisations and secular welfare state institutions (SOLIGION). 01/10/2020 - 30/09/2024

Abstract

Our project sets out to produce better forms of collaboration and more complementary forms of solidarity between faith-based (including humanistic) organisations (FBOs) and secular welfare state institutions (WSIs). It does so by 1° examining the dynamic interaction between FBOs and WSIs in an interdisciplinary way and through a multi-method approach and 2° the co-creation by both FBOs and WSIs of new practices of solidarity and social support. The interdisciplinary and multi-method approach serves to 1° reveal the potentialities and frictions of FBOs in relation to the political standards of secular WSIs and 2° transcend essentialist and dichotomous views so as to understand existing forms of negotiation and mutual adaptation. In concrete terms, the project will map the FBOs active in the field of local social support in five cities (Research Project 1), examine the interaction between FBOs and WSIs from an historical and political-philosophical angle (RP2 and RP3), and create shared insights as well as new procedures and practices through action research (RP4). Building on this, the process of co-creation will involve two related working groups. WG1 will produce a concept and pilot for a dynamic and interactive social map and ICTinterface, proceeding from existing (fragmented, non-dynamic and non-interactive) social maps and the results of RP1 while jointly tackling issues of selection and definition. WG2 will build on the insights generated in the scientific part so as to conceive educational and training modules for 1° volunteers and social workers, 2° local employees (of WSIs) and policy makers, 3° instructors and mentors involved in the integration of newcomers, and 4° future professional social workers. Implementation is ensured through close collaboration with organizations targeting exactly these groups. The method of co-creation fosters implementation because the results will be based on shared concerns, insights and objectives.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Advocacy by non-profit organizations in a post-co oratist welfare state: a mixed method analysis. 01/01/2020 - 31/12/2023

Abstract

This proposal aims to assess how non-profit organizations (NPO's) adapt their advocacy role and strategies to the new governance context of the post-co oratist welfare state. The recent emergence of market-oriented modes of governance increasingly erode the long-established government-nonprofit relationships in co oratist welfare states, leading to more volatile relationships. We want to advance existing research by empirically analyzing how NPO's in Flanders perceive the pressure of their changing context, how and which 'new' advocacy strategies are developed and how these strategies are perceived as 'effective' by policy makers. To do so, we adopt a mixed-methods research design. We start with a regression analysis of not yet analyzed quantitative survey data (from the CSI Flanders project) on the advocacy role and strategies of Flemish NPO's and the market-oriented modes of governance in which they are operating. This is complemented by qualitative multiple case study research to analyze perspectives of NPO on how and to which extent market-oriented modes of governance will diminish their advocacy role and an experiment with vignettes of advocacy strategies employed by NPOs to assess effectiveness of advocacy strategies from the perspective of policy makers. Finally, all insights from this mixed methods study are drawn together to develop a theory of NPO advocacy within the context of the post-co oratist welfare state.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Rehabilitation of ex-prisoners: action reasearch of the collaboration between volunteers & professionals. 01/01/2020 - 01/12/2023

Abstract

In this research project we conduct an action research to explore how and under which circumstances volunteers and professional social workers can collaborate to guid and support ex-prisoners after their release from prison.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Energypoverty barometer with EU-SILC 2009-2018 04/12/2019 - 31/01/2020

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the KBS. UA provides the research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

A critical perspective on diversity in the workplace: discourses, practices and identities in nonprofit organizations. 01/11/2019 - 31/10/2023

Abstract

The central aim of this research is to explore to what extent nonprofit organizations are able to manage an increasingly diverse workforce. Focusing on ethnic minorities in Flemish nonprofit organizations, the proposed research has two goals. Firstly, the research aims to propose a sociological and empirical assessment of how the existing discourses and strategies on diversity management are shaped within the organization and its broader structural and societal context. Secondly, I will investigate the role of ethnic groups' competencies and cultural identities within the organization and their ability or inability to fully employ them in the workplace. On a practical level, my aim is to identify organizational characteristics that facilitate or prevent the crafting of broader norms on competencies and identities. This gives me the opportunity to provide organizations with a set of alternative diversity management tools

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Nonprofit change-makers? A mixed methods study on the political role of NPOs. 01/10/2019 - 30/09/2023

Abstract

It is widely recognized that many nonprofit organizations (NPOs) adopt a political role and strive towards societal change. On the one hand, there is a vast body of research in non-profit management that acknowledges the value of nonprofit advocacy (Al-Mog Bar & Schmid, 2014), defined as the use of several strategies and tactics 'attempting to influence the decisions of an institutional elite on behalf of a collective interest' (Kimberlin, 2010). On the other hand, mainly outside of the field of non-profit management, there has been a lot of reflection on the changing nature of the political role of NPOs, referring notably to life style, deliberative and agonistic politics (Beck, 1997; Fung & Wright, 2001; Mouffe, 2005). This suggests a possible shift in the strategies and tactics in non-profit advocacy. A dearth of studies investigates to what extent NPOs adopt strategies in achieving policy changes as well as creating public debate on issues of concern. This study aims to combine these two bodies of research to add to the debate on the NPOs political role by identifying the factors underlying engagement in (a) political advocacy, and (b) civic awareness on public issues, as perceived by NPOs in Flanders (the northern region of Belgium). We adopt a mixed methods approach. The quantitative logistic regression analysis is based on data collected by means of a two-wave survey directed to the directors of NPOs (N = 496) active at the Flemish leveli in the human well-being-, social economy- and sociocultural domain. We subsequently aim to test and refine our findings by means of in-depth interviews with nonprofit representatives (leaders, social workers and volunteers) that indicated either successful or unsuccessful engagement in nonprofit political activity. Doing so, this study contributes to the study of the political role of non-profit organizations in two ways. First, this study draws on relevant insights on the changing political strategies of NPOs from outside the field of non-profit management to enrich our understand of NPOs advocacy role. Second, this study responds to the call for more multi-methods studies in the field of nonprofit in order to compensate for the inherent weaknesses associated with individual methods.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Developing a generalist approach to (social) work. 01/10/2018 - 31/12/2021

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the European Social Fund. UA provides the research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

The social re-integration of prisoners in Flemish Community. 01/10/2018 - 30/06/2019

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Flemish Government. UA provides the research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Seminars and lecture on scientific project regarding integrated services on regional conferences for policy workers. 04/09/2018 - 17/12/2018

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Flemish Government. UA provides the research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

New Authority in the Neighbourhood 01/09/2018 - 30/09/2020

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the EMMAUS. UA provides the research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Everybody protected: To reduce nontakeup through integrated basic services 01/09/2018 - 31/08/2019

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand SAM. UA provides the research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

The working alliance between probation officers and probationers in the field of community supervision: a mixed-methods approach. 01/09/2018 - 30/08/2019

Abstract

How society should deal with people who commit criminal acts is a question that has been asked for centuries. A recent evolution in Belgium and other European countries is to submit more offenders to alternative sanctions or measures. This means that they are not imprisoned, but placed under supervision and guidance while remaining part of society. Social work has traditionally been involved with implementing alternative sanctions and measures. Although these new forms of punishment are increasingly applied, academic research on the way supervision and guidance of offenders in the community is organized, is relatively scarce. Moreover, what actually happens in the practice of community supervision is still a 'black box': we don't know much about what practitioners actually do. However, one thing we do know from research, is that a good working relationship between practitioners and offenders forms a crucial element in the success of the supervision process. That is why it is important to know how this working relationship takes shape, how it develops over time and whether it can be positively influenced. These questions are the core of my doctoral research. By looking at the practice of community supervision in different ways (using observations, interviews and questionnaires), I contribute to the development of knowledge in a field that has remained underexposed in academic research.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Dissemination project Generalist Social Work 01/09/2017 - 28/02/2018

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the European Social Fund. UA provides the research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

A descriptive and evaluative research on integrated services at the local level. 01/04/2017 - 30/04/2018

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the policy research centre welfare and health. UA provides the policy research centre the research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Research for Family coaches 01/04/2017 - 01/10/2017

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand CAW Antwerpen. UA provides CAW Antwerpen the research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Chair in Migration, Integration and Labour Markets with specific focus on labour market position of women and effectiveness of (labour market) integration programmes targeting recent migrants. 20/12/2016 - 30/09/2019

Abstract

The chair on Migration, Integration and Labour Markets is a colloborative research project with the Flemish government on the labour market position of individuals with a migration background in Flanders, with specific focus on the labour on the labour market position of migrant women and the effectiveness of (labour market) integration trajectories targeting recent migrants. The project is innovative in that aims to integrate register data on i) integration trajectories, ii) education and activation trajectories and iii) work permits with longitudinal microdata drawn from the Crossroads Bank for Social Security to reconstruct and analyse labour market trajectories of resident and new migrants using advanced hazard and econometric models. Throughout the project interviews and focus groups are set up with both participants and counselors to bring additional insight to the longitudinal analysis of trajectories based on register data.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project website

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Project bridging inside out 01/09/2016 - 15/11/2016

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand The Flemish Government. UA provides the Flemish government the research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project website

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Inside out 01/01/2016 - 30/04/2017

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand CAW Antwerpen. UA provides CAW Antwerpen research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Local networks for the participation of people in povery in leisure activities 15/12/2015 - 15/06/2016

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand DEMOS. UA provides DEMOS research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Collaboration and social work: the case of networks in the Brussels' judicial welfare sector 15/09/2015 - 15/09/2016

Abstract

The judicial welfare sector in Brussels serves 1600 inmates in three prison facilities. This research aims to analyze and strengthen the network of judicial service organizations in Brussels. We analyze the roles of social workers and the extent to which social workers experience tensions when collaborating in the network.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Generalists at work! 01/09/2015 - 31/08/2017

Abstract

This research project aims to develop a generalist social work method in a specialist service organization. A qualitative action research is conducted in collaboration with two service organizations aimed towards the activation of vulnerable target groups.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Exploring a community-based social justice approach in environmental health promotion. 19/12/2014 - 31/12/2016

Abstract

It is well known that a lower socioeconomic status is related to underrepresentation in environmental health promotion while socioeconomically less favored groups are precisely more exposed and more susceptible to weaker environmental quality and bad housing conditions. This research project explores an innovative public health/community development strategy to overcome unequal participation in environmental health promotion. In cooperation with a professional organization for health promotion and prevention, a concrete case of community empowerment will be addressed, implemented and evaluated.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Integrated networks to combat child poverty: a mixed methods research on network governance and perspectives of policy makers, social workers and families in poverty (INCh). 01/12/2013 - 15/07/2018

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Federal Public Service. UA provides the Federal Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project