Social Workers’ Lived Experiences of the Kahramanmaraş Earthquake in Türkiye: “Not Everyone is in The Same Boat”

Ayşe Ösada Nazım; Hakan Karaağaç

doi:10.1921/swssr20252447

Authors

Ayşe Ösada Nazım Department of Social Work Cyprus International University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4863-3168
Hakan Karaağaç Department of Social Work at Kütahya Health Sciences University, Türkiye https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6586-5940

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/swssr20252447

Keywords:

social policy, disaster, earthquake, vulnerable groups, social protection policy

Abstract

Natural disasters pose numerous challenges for affected countries, and the 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquake caused significant damage and ongoing difficulties. This study explores the experiences of social workers engaged in disaster response through semi-structured interviews with fourteen participants. Two key themes emerged: (1) the scope of social work interventions, and (2) challenges and opportunities in practice. Findings highlight the need for comprehensive disaster management policies addressing vulnerable populations’ specific needs. These insights have practical implications for social work education, equipping future practitioners with the skills required for effective disaster response.

Author Biographies

Ayşe Ösada Nazım, Department of Social Work Cyprus International University

Ayşe Özada Nazım is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work Cyprus International University. Her major research areas include school social work, political conflict and forensic social work. Her primary research interests focus on the school social work and developing cultural -specific school social work model in Northern Cyprus. She has conducted research on bullying, school climate and delinquency.

Hakan Karaağaç, Department of Social Work at Kütahya Health Sciences University, Türkiye

Hakan Karaağaç is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at Kütahya Health Sciences University, Türkiye. His major research areas include clinical social work, disaster social work, and mental health social work. His academic work focuses on forensic psychiatry, trauma-informed practices, psychosocial support interventions, and the implications of digital transformation in social work.

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