Social assistance: social right or free gain?

Abstract:

This article deals with the contemporary discussion about the political role performed by social assistance and Social Work and its relation to the conservative thought. Focusing on the field of social security, it emphasizes the contradictory aspect that keeps linking the process of constitution of public policy with charity and provision of welfare. The article points to the challenge of surpassing the moralist, individualist and anti-classist character in order that the policy expresses itself as a playing field of socially produced wealth.

Keywords: Social assistance; Social Work; Conservative thought