The worry conversation: A loosening technology

Abstract

Worry conversations (in Danish, bekymringssamtale) and other network meetings are normally described as offering integrated solutions to complex problems by connecting a variety of views and resources. Adopting a systems-theoretical approach, this article suggests that worry conversations can be better understood if viewed as a loosening technology. Based on a case study, the article presents the hypothesis that worry conversations and network meetings can connect normally disconnected views and knowledge, and, more importantly, disconnect elements normally connected. By disconnecting observations made in a school context from the education system, schools can invite other organisations and function systems to turn what is vaguely formulated as a worry into a problem in their own systems. This increases connectivity, but also the risk that the worry will fail to be specified as a problem and the talk to develop into decisions.