10 anys del Cicle Formatiu d'Animació Sociocultural: els Tècnics Superiors en Animació Sociocultural al mercat de treball de Catalunya

Abstract

Ten years on from the implantation of the Higher Grade Formative Cycle in Socio-cultural Animation (CFGS d'ASC) it has been noted that the Higher Technicians in Socio-cultural Animation (TASOC) are not incorporated into the workforce as well as might be expected, especially if we believe market research which says that socio-cultural animation is a new employment niche. The initial question is: which factors cause this low level of incorporation of socio-cultural animators into the working world? The general aim of this thesis is to do a descriptive study of graduates who are Higher Technicians in Socio-cultural Animation in Catalonia, their training, professionalization and incorporation into the workforce, in order to improve their suitability in the job-market. The study is structured into three parts. The first consists of five chapters which describe the theoretical framework of socio-cultural animation, its conception, the professional figure of the socio-cultural animator and his/her training and professionalization. This part will serve as a conceptual framework on which to base the research. The second part is empirical research. The aims lead to an exploratory investigation of reality. It is a study which combines quantitative and qualitative information. It is structured into two phases. In an initial phase quantitative data is obtained by means of a questionnaire given to the entire population of TASOC trained in public centres in Catalonia up to 2006. The sample consists of 303 participants who filled it in; this amounts to 25. 6% of the total population. Research continues with a second questionnaire aimed at the 154 TASOC who work in socio-cultural animation or fields related to animation, from which we obtain data about incorporation into the workforce. Analysis of quantitative data is done using the statistical pack SPSS. In a second phase qualitative methods are used in order to study in depth and interpret the statistical data. Group interviews are carried out both with TASOC who act as key informants in the different fields of socio-cultural animation and with a group of tutors. The methodology used to analyse the data is dense description. These key informants also make up documental registration of their professional activity. By means of content analysis it has been determined what functions and tasks are carried out in the workplace and to what extent. In the third part a description of the results referred to is presented with regard to the aims set. Finally, the conclusions give information prepared with the intention of providing elements for thought so as to improve the situation of TASOC in the job-market. The following conclusions stand out: - The main reason for studying ASC is for access to higher education. - The formation of Work Centres is a key tool for their professionalization. - It is a very motivated group who are happy with the training received. - There is plenty of work to be had in ASC but working conditions are uncertain: temporary contracts, part-time jobs, low salaries and high mobility of the work teams. - The professional categories that TASOC are given contracts for are not usually in accordance with the functions and responsibilities they require nor with their training. - Half of all TASOC are taken on by the Government and work with children and adolescents. - The field of leisure and socio-educational care is where most TASOC work. - The duties carried out by TASOC can be said to be: obtaining and managing information, socio-educational duties or user relations and planning and management of resources. The majority of their working hours are given over to user attention. - At the moment TASOC is not well-known enough nor socially recognised.

Date of Award	13 Jul 2009
Original language	Catalan
Supervisor	Xavier Ucar Martinez (Director)