Diakoni och Välfärd - en kvantitativ studie av ekonomiskt stöd inom Svenska kyrkan
Diaconal workFinancial supportThe Church of SwedenWelfareDiakoniEkonomiskt stödSvenska kyrkanVälfärd
The aim of this thesis was to study financial support within the Church of Sweden and the view of the church?s diaconal work. This was done with a quantitative method where a survey sent to a number of churches containing questions about financial support within the church and how they, the respondents, looked at the church?s role as a welfare agent. Of the almost 200 congregations only 23 congregations responded. The collected data was then analysed with Gøsta Esping-Andersen?s theory about welfare states and with background research and earlier science research about diaconal work and financial aid within the church and financial aid from the state, along with organization theory. Results show that the most common groups seeking financial aid from the church are single parents, individuals with mental disability/illness and individuals in economic vulnerability. The most common purpose for seeking financial aid is food, money for Christmas celebrations and healthcare. The results could be interpreted that the respondents primarily think the Swedish state is ultimately responsible for the welfare of its citizens and, if so, that the Church of Sweden foremost should have a complementary role.