The Influence of Social Service Professionals' Demographic Characteristics on the Protection of Human Rights of Vulnerable Social Groups

This study investigates whether, and to what extent, the demographic characteristics -gender, place of residence, educational level, knowledge of a foreign language, possession of additional degrees, professional specialization, employment status, employment sector, and service category- of social service professionals influence the development of their knowledge, as well as the shaping of their attitudes, behaviors, and mobilization toward the protection of human rights of vulnerable social groups (VSGs). The study was conducted from June 2023 to December 2023.Using a closed-ended self-report questionnaire, data were collected from four hundred and fifty-three professionals representing thirty-five specialties across twenty categories of social services in the Region of Western Greece. The findings reveal that demographic factors of educational level, employment status, service category, professional sector, and specialization constitute a significant role in shaping attitudes, behaviors and mobilization regarding the protection of human rights. An additional significant finding was that professionals with lower academic credentials, despite exhibiting limited knowledge concerning human rights issues, nonetheless demonstrated greater involvement in activities related to the promotion and protection of human rights. Also, informal learning emerged as a critical driver of practical and applicable knowledge in the field of human rights, complementing formal education. All the above findings highlight the importance of implementing multidimensional professional development strategies through formal education, non-formal education, and informal learning. These strategies must aim to enhance the capacity of social service professionals to safeguard and promote the human rights of vulnerable social groups.