Between needs and freedom: Perspectives on social diagnosis

Abstract

Social diagnosis forms the foundation for shaping social policy. Within the Polish context, it involves a clash between the traditional needs-based (NB) approach and the newer capability approach (CA), which emphasises freedom and agency. The aim of the article is to theoretically reconstruct  and contrast these two approaches in relation to the diagnostic process, considering the perspectives of both residents and diagnosticians themselves. The methodology comprises theoretical analysis (drawing on Szatur-Jaworska, Sen, and Claassen, amongst others) and a qualitative content analysis of two examples of Polish diagnostic literature differing in character: an empirical diagnostic report and a methodological guide. This analysis illustrates how elements of both paradigms (NB and CA) manifest themselves in research practice and methodological recommendations. The results indicate the continued dominance of the NB paradigm, which concentrates on infrastructural and service deficits. Simultaneously, significant elements characteristic of the CA approach were identified in both types of documents analysed, such as an emphasis on participation, freedom of choice, and the need to consider psychological and cultural barriers. Conclusions: The analysis reveals a tension between tradition and the pursuit of empowerment within Polish social diagnosis. It is suggested that integrating the CA perspective, potentially enriched by insights from behavioural sciences (e.g, the concept of boosting), could contribute to the development of diagnostic practices that enhance the real agency of residents and diagnosticians.