Social Work and Services in the Context of the Social and Solidarity Economy in Bulgaria: A Multimodal Approach through PsySoc Dynamics

This conceptual and theoretical article explores an innovative multimodal approach to the social and psychological analysis of participators engaged in the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE), with a particular focus on the Bulgarian context of social work and social services. The approach integrates contemporary technological tools under the framework of PsySoc Dynamics, combining behavioral analytics, narrative methodologies, and systems-based social network mapping. Given the specific institutional and socio-economic conditions in Bulgaria—including a fragmented social services system, reliance on NGO-driven interventions, and ongoing reform of national policies—the need for advanced interdisciplinary methodologies becomes particularly urgent. The proposed model features three interconnected modules: (1) psychosocial diagnostics through non-invasive behavioral tracking (including micro-expressions and vocal sentiment analysis), (2) narrative analysis of personal and professional motivations, and (3) mapping of communication flows and support structures using PsySoc Dynamics platform tools. This multimodal analytical framework contributes to the enhancement of social services planning, monitoring, and evaluation processes, while also offering tools for supervision and capacity building in professional social work. The article argues that the integration of such technologies enables a more dynamic, context-sensitive, and human-centered understanding of SSE participants in Bulgaria, with potential transferability to other transitional welfare contexts.