Surviving through crisis : the impact of the cost of living crisis on the ability of social workers to effectively support people in communities in Aotearoa New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work at Massey University, Albany Campus, Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

The cost-of-living crisis has been widely debated in recent years, with its effects evident across media, public policy, and everyday life. This qualitative study explores how the crisis has impacted social workers’ ability to effectively support people in communities. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with six practitioners, thematic analysis revealed three central themes: the overall impact of the crisis on social work practice, systemic and policy barriers to effective support, and the strategies social workers employed in response. Participants described navigating under-resourced environments, increasing client hardship, and structural systems that often undermine their efforts. While a growing number of disciplines are investigating the cost-of-living crisis, research from a social work perspective remains limited. This study aims to address this gap by providing valuable insights from frontline practitioners. The findings offer relevant implications for policymakers, educators, and organisations working to strengthen community well-being and support those surviving through crisis.