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Dr Ana Olea Fernandez
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Email
ao19443@essex.ac.uk -
Location
GB.1.24, Colchester Campus
Profile
Biography
I hold degrees in Social Work as well as in Social and Cultural Anthropology from Universidad de Santiago de Compostela and Universidad Complutense de Madrird, respectively. After over 10 years as a social worker within the fostering field in England, I obtained a posgraduate (PhD) degree in Sociology from the University of Essex. I have been a lecturer at the School of Health and Social Care since January 2022. My research interest lies broadly in the relationship between people (agency) and institutions (structures) and the dynamics of power that intertwine them together. In more concrete terms, this interest is developed in three areas. First, the relationship between childhood, parenthood and the State. Second, medicalisation and critical psychiatry research, with a particular interest in identity formation. Thirdly, the identity of social work as a profession in the intersection between agents and structures, from a human rights and ethical perspectives.
Research and professional activities
Conferences and presentations
"Engineers of the human soul" How social workers make sense of the behaviour of children in State care.
European Conference of Social Work Research, Aberdeen, 16/4/2026
Perspectivas alternativas en salud mental con menores
Invited presentation, Abordajes criticos de la intervencion social: Interseccionalidad, participacion y derechos., Pontevedra, Spain, 17/7/2025
Round Table: Resisting Neoliberalism in Social Work
Keynote presentation, IV Seminario Internacional del Departamento de Trabajo Social: Trabajo Social y Perspectivas Criticas, Madrid, Spain, 13/11/2024
'There is no such a thing as a child in care'. The ethical and human rights implications of how social workers understand and address the emotional wellbeing of children under State care.
European Conference of Social Work Research., Vilnius, 18/4/2024
Adults' perspectives on receiving psychiatric diagnosis and treatment as children in care
The European Scientific Association on Residential and Family Care for Children and Adolescents Biannual Conference, Zurich, 2/9/2021
Teaching and supervision
Current teaching responsibilities
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Introduction to Sociological and Psychological Frameworks (HS190)
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Introduction to Law and Social Policy (HS191)
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Lifespan Development (HS193)
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Professional Skills 1 (HS194)
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Introduction to Research Methodologies (HS290)
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Emotional, Relational and Mental Health Issues (HS291)
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Independent Study (HS390)
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Critical Reflection and Professional Challenge (HS391)
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Practice Interventions (HS394)
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Clinical Applications 2 (HS772)
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Interpersonal Skills for Practice (HS192)
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Legislation, Regulation and Ethics for Practice (HS292)
Publications
Journal articles (1)
Olea Fernandez, A., Los retos del trabajo social dentro del neoliberalismo: ¿Puede una práctica profesional ética existir dentro de estructuras no éticas?. Comunitania. Revista Internacional de Trabajo Social y Ciencias Sociales. 2 (30), 49-63
Thesis dissertation (1)
Olea Fernandez, A., (2025). For whose benefit? Social workers' understandings of children's behaviour
Grants and funding
2023
Evaluation - ECC Big Steps Little Steps
Essex County Council