Institutional Logics and Welfare Collaboration: Challenges and Opportunities in Supporting Families with Low Socioeconomic Status in Norway

Families with low socioeconomic status (SES) often face complex challenges that require simultaneous support from multiple welfare services. In Norway, the Child Welfare Service (CWS) and the Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) frequently assist low-SES families, yet collaboration between these services is often inconsistent. This study examines how differing institutional logics shape collaboration between these two services in their work with low-SES families. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 employees from CWS and 14 from NAV. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings indicate that institutional logics shape motivations for collaboration and can both enable complementary, holistic interventions and generate conflicts and practical barriers that hinder collaboration. In order to sustain and scale local successes, the study recommends formalized consent and information-sharing routines, designated boundary-spanners, and clear leadership anchoring. Limitations include a purposive sample that restricts the breadth of perspectives.