Class Social Work, Poverty and Social Vulnerability

This curricular unit is part of the Social Work degree program. It aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of poverty and social vulnerability dynamics, which are fundamental challenges in contemporary social intervention. Poverty and social exclusion are central issues for European societies, threatening core values such as equality and social cohesion. Despite progress in public policies, Portugal continues to have one of the highest poverty rates in Europe. The complexity and multidimensionality of these phenomena demand a well-founded, strategic, and innovative approach to Social Work. In this CU, students are expected to acquire theoretical and practical knowledge on different perspectives of poverty and social vulnerability, recognize the role of Social Work in addressing these issues, and develop a critical and reflective approach to the challenges of social inclusion.

Not applicable

1. Poverty and Social Vulnerability 1.1. Fundamental concepts: poverty, precariousness, vulnerability, and social exclusion - differentiation and interrelation. 1.2. The social question, capitalism, and poverty - historical and socio-economic framework. 1.3. Poverty and social exclusion in Portugal - key dimension, indicators. 1.4. Types of poverty: absolute, relative, and subjective - implications for social intervention. 1.5. Social exclusion indicators - critical analysis and application to case studies. 1.6. Social disqualification, stigmatization, and marginalization - case analysis and debate. 2. Poverty and Social Work 2.1. Theoretical explanations of poverty - analytical models and the debate on welfare deservingness. 2.2. The role of SW in interventions with vulnerable populations - strategies and challenges. 2.3. Social policies to combat poverty - critical analysis of measures in Portugal. 2.4. Minimum income schemes in Portugal - evolution, Social Policies, and impact on inclusion.

This curricular unit follows a theoretical-practical approach, using participatory methodologies that foster active and reflective learning. Theoretical content will be integrated with practical application through structured debates, case studies, audiovisual document analysis, and group dynamics. To enhance student autonomy and critical thinking, strategies such as problem-based learning (PBL), role-playing, small group work, and brainstorming on poverty and social exclusion challenges will be employed. Knowledge co-construction will be reinforced through collaborative digital platforms (e.g., Moodle, Kahoot) and projects that encourage critical reflection and practical application of concepts. Active student participation will be encouraged, promoting dialogue and the exchange of perspectives on contemporary social challenges.

Backwith, D. (2015). Social Work, Poverty and Social Exclusion. McGraw-Hill Education. Clavel, G. (2004). A sociedade da exclusão. Compreendê-la para dela sair. Porto Editora. Diogo, F. (2021). A Pobreza em Portugal: trajetos e quotidianos. Fundação Francisco Manuel dos santos. https://www.ffms.pt/sites/default/files/2022-07/a-pobreza-em-portugal-trajetos-e-quotidianos_0.pdf EAPN (2022). Pobreza e Exclusão Social em Portugal: relatório 2022. Observatório Nacional Luta contra a Pobreza. https://www.eapn.pt/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Pobreza-e-Exclusao-Social-em-Portugal-2022-REAPN05.pdf Paugam, S. (2003). A Desqualificação Social. Ensaio sobre a Nova Pobreza. Porto Editora. Pereirinha, J., & Pereira, E. (2021). Regime de Mínimos sociais em Portugal: evolução do discurso político e políticas. Almedina.