Tanja Dall

Research profile

I do research on work inclusion from a social work perspective. My research explores questions around professionalism, the development of work ability, and the creation of inclusive workplaces. This often takes place within the contexts of public employment services, as well as public and private initiatives aimed at facilitating labour market entry for individuals with disabilities and/or social challenges (e.g., employer engagement).

I employ qualitative methods, focusing on the practices through which work inclusion is (attempted to be) accomplished. My methods include conversation analysis, ethnographic observation, and interviews with disadvantaged unemployed individuals, professionals, and employers.

Methodologically, I also utilise approaches that prioritise the application of research in practice fields, and I aim to develop theory and methods related to knowledge mobilisation.

Theoretically, my work is grounded in relational social work theory, literature on street-level bureaucracy, and literature on knowledge mobilisation. 

Teaching profile

I teach theories of social work, the sociology of professions, knowledge mobilisation, and conversation analysis as both a research tool and a tool for professional reflection. I teach and supervise at bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels.

Didactically, I am inspired by theories of problem-based learning and knowledge mobilisation. I am interested in developing methods and approaches to teaching adults in the workplace, including action learning, collegial learning, and the potential of digital teaching materials for mobilising theoretical and methodological knowledge within the contexts where students are working professionally and academically.

I have developed several courses, both accredited courses within the university and required courses for practitioners in the field. I have also served as a coordinator for several courses and semesters.

Administrative profile

Leader of WISER; researchgroup for Welfare, Innovation, Social work and Employment Relations.