Social Work and Poverty

This book offers a critical and reflective perspective on working with people experiencing poverty, drawing on two main theoretical frameworks: Relational Social Work and the Poverty-Aware Social Work Paradigm. The result is a relational and anti-oppressive approach that places people’s dignity, participation, advocacy and shared responsibility at its core, moving beyond a view of support based solely on the provision of resources and services.

The book explores some of the key challenges encountered in professional practice: the stigma affecting people experiencing poverty as well as professionals themselves, the relationship between service provision and inclusion, barriers to accessing support measures, non-take-up, the digital divide, and bureaucratic obstacles that can exclude the very people experiencing the greatest vulnerability. Through theoretical frameworks, interpretative perspectives, case narratives and practical tools, the book supports the development of professional reflexivity, ethical awareness and the ability to act effectively in complex contexts.