Photo of Veronika Wallroth

Veronika Wallroth

Deputy Head of Department, Associate Professor

My research aims to comprehend the ways in which societal norms, power dynamics and cultural expectations influence the lives of adults and their caregivers. I examine issues such as gender equality, social isolation and home-based care.

My academic journey began outside of academia, where experiences in care work and leadership within elderly care sparked my interest in organizational structures, power dynamics, and their impact on individuals. My Master's studies in social work drew me closer to issues of gender equality and how norms surrounding "women's work" influence elderly care.

As a Ph.D. student at NISAL, the (Swedish) National Institute for Studies on Aging and later life, I delved into family care and informal caregiving, with a particular focus on men's experiences as caregivers. By challenging traditional notions of women as the "natural" caregivers, I have been able to contribute new perspectives to the field.

My research is characterized by an interest in how norms, both gender and age-related, shape people's lives and opportunities. I am particularly interested in examining how these norms mold our perceptions of a "good life" and how they can create both opportunities and constraints.

In my completed research projects, I have studied issues such as loneliness among older adults, the impact of mobile geriatric teams, and how summer camps can contribute to a better life for older adults experiencing loneliness.

Currently, I am involved in several exciting research projects:

Caregiver support in policy and media: This project aims to examine how caregivers and older adults in need of care are portrayed in policy documents and media. By analyzing different representations, we aim to increase understanding of how these portrayals affect the situation of caregivers and society's view of care work.

Men as caregivers: This project aims to study the development over time of men's involvement in informal care. By analyzing long-term data from large-scale population surveys, we aim to highlight men's role as caregivers.

Living at home with dementia: Together with an interdisciplinary team, we are examining home care services from decision-making to implementation for older people with dementia. By interviewing both relatives and people with dementia, we want to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and needs and follow the entire intervention process. This is linked to both the Aging in Places with dementia project and the DEM(H)CARE research program.

Publications

2024

Axel Ågren, Veronika Wallroth (2024) Representations of family caregivers and older adults in need of care in the Swedish news media
Veronika Wallroth, Axel Ågren (2024) Representations of family caregivers and older adults in need of care in the Swedish news media 2024 års nationella paper-konferens i socialt arbete, NaPSa (Conference paper)
Veronika Wallroth, Kjerstin Larsson, Agneta Schröder (2024) Participating in a Senior Summer Camp - Insights on How it Affected the Participants Life and Mitigated Their Loneliness 13th European Conference for Social Work Research (Conference paper)

Research

• Gerontological Social Work (GEROSOC) 
• Member of FORSA - Swedish Research Association for Social Work
• Member of the Swedish Gerontological Society (SGS) (Former Secretary, 2009-2015)
• Member of the National Network for Social Science Research on Aging

Teaching

My teaching is characterized by a commitment to creating a meaningful and developmental learning environment. I have extensive experience teaching social work students, primarily in the areas of aging and older adults, living conditions, and research methods.

My own experiences as a student have shaped my pedagogical philosophy. I view education as a lifelong journey where knowledge is not merely a goal, but a tool for understanding the world and ourselves. In my teaching, I strive to create a balance between theory and practice, where students are given the opportunity to reflect on their own knowledge and experiences.

A particular focus in my teaching is on aging and older adults. I am interested in how ageism, discrimination, and inequality affect the lives of older people. By examining these issues, I aim to contribute to the development of a more inclusive and equitable elderly care system.

I am constantly curious about developing my teaching and exploring new pedagogical methods. By participating in various training programs and networks, I stay up-to-date on the latest research in pedagogy and teacher development.

Currently, I hold the position of Deputy head of the department with a focus on undergraduate education at IKOS. This is a broad and varied position that involves both strategic and operational work. I chair the Undergraduate Studies Council where the department's Director of Studies participates. I also lead the Student Collaboration Group where student representatives from our programs participate.

Organisation