Women, Vulnerability, and Trauma. A Study on Third Sector Perspectives on Work Integration of Women Experiencing Psychological Trauma

Abstract

This thesis explores how Swedish third sector social workers perceive and address the needs of women on the margins of the labour market who are affected by psychological trauma. Against a backdrop of increasingly stringent labour market policies, the study explores whether the current practices support traumatised women towards work integration, or whether prevailing approaches risk perpetuating ill-health and marginalisation. Through qualitative, semi-structured interviews with five professionals from third sector organisations (TSOs) providing work integration services and thematic analysis, the research identified core challenges such as untreated trauma, insufficient availability of holistic or trauma-informed support, the impact of social stigma, and the complex intersection of gendered vulnerabilities, caregiving roles, and social exclusion. The study draws on the Capability Approach, Recognition theory, Empowerment, and Stigma theory. It concludes that effective, just work integration for women experiencing trauma requires personalised and coordinated interventions across professions and sectors, increased recognition of intersectional vulnerabilities, greater collaboration with the individual, and a move away from cost-driven, normative, one-size-fits-all policy models.