Social innovation in welfare practices: identification, idealisation and shame

What is it about?

Social innovation is the new lingo that permeates Danish welfare service. The chapter provides insight into the psychosocial fabric of this current development, pointing out how identification, idealization and shame become descriptive of the psychosocial landscapes in social enterprises. Departing from case studies it is illustrated how managers and staff identify with and idealize their social innovative missions, but find it difficult to fulfil their aspirations in the face of (neoliberal) societal and organizational contexts and conditions.

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Why is it important?

This chapter is an original approach to unfolding social innovation and the dark sides this dominant welfare practice entail. Applying a psychosocial lens I shed light on how professionals identify, engage but also are burdened by being social innovative.