Christoph Kraschl Knihy

The paper explores social capital concepts within social policies aimed at neighborhood renewal, specifically through the lens of the Socially Integrative City (SIC) initiative in Germany. It compares theories from notable sociologists Putnam, Bourdieu, and Granovetter, assessing how their ideas manifest in the SIC strategy. Key documents are analyzed to identify the policies and objectives related to bonding, bridging, and linking social capital, revealing the intended social relationships among diverse population groups and highlighting the role of social capital in urban revitalization efforts.

Homeless people with mental illness are one of the most vulnerable groups in urban areas but often do not get the assistance needed to end homelessness and to address health and psychosocial needs. Using key concepts of Pierre Bourdieu, the author provides a detailed analysis of the help system for the homeless mentally ill in Berlin. Qualitative interviews with 25 stakeholders of this help system were conducted and analyzed. The author reveals that this fragmented help system frequently fails to address the most vulnerable homeless who suffer from both psychiatric disabilities and substance abuse problems. A possible solution to this challenge is presented: the Housing First approach that was developed in New York. Using this relatively recent innovation, ideas are illustrated which have been proven to be effective in promoting social inclusion of the homeless mentally ill. This book provides a foundation for informed discussion and further research about how to counteract social exclusion of this 'hard to reach' population, and should be especially useful to social and health professionals, policy makers and researchers committed to supporting this group more successfully.

Die Diplomarbeit untersucht die psychosozialen Versorgungssysteme für Menschen mit HIV und AIDS in Innsbruck und Berlin. Der Autor kombiniert aktuelle Literatur mit Experteninterviews, um ein tiefgehendes Verständnis der Herausforderungen und Unterstützungsangebote in beiden Städten zu entwickeln. Durch die Analyse der Versorgungssysteme wird deutlich, wie soziale Arbeit in diesem sensiblen Bereich gestaltet und verbessert werden kann. Die Arbeit zeichnet sich durch ihre fundierte Recherche und praxisnahe Perspektive aus.