3: Contesting universalism in Finnish health and social services: experiences of migrant parents with a disabled child

Publication Date:
28 Mar 2024
Pages:
66–84
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51952/9781447371458.ch003
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This chapter examines how universalism is implemented in practice in the contemporary Finnish public health and social services by analysing the service experiences of 20 migrant parents of a disabled child. The focus lies on the structures and practices in the services that frame the everyday lives of migrant parents. The analysis reveals systematic limitations based on implicit bias. Monolingual practices, standardised services and asymmetrical relationships between parents and professionals appear to be connected with universalistic practices that limit parents’ agency in many ways while they struggle to contact, find and use information about services. More inclusive health and social care services require recognising and addressing the different needs of a diverse population.

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