Serviço social: um olhar sobre o cenário sócio-histórico de sua origem e a emergência da profissão no Brasil nas décadas de 1930 e 1940

Abstract

This work seeks to discuss the historical foundations of capitalism and its relationship with the emergence of Social Work. The study consists of a Literature Review, based on qualitative bibliographic research. The study deepens the analysis by positioning the general law of capitalist accumulation for profit as the essence of capitalism, emphasizing the transformation of social relations in the domination of the production process. In the Brazilian context, Social Work emerged in the 1930s as a response to the development of capitalism, influenced by European countries such as Belgium, France, and Germany, especially with the support of the Catholic Church. The 20th century witnessed conflicts between the proletariat and bourgeoisie in Brazil. In the socio-historical Brazilian scenario of the 1930s and 1940s, Social Work emerged as a concrete response to social, economic, and political transformations. With the rise of the state as an interventionist agent, Social Workers played a crucial role in implementing social policies, reflecting that during these decades, the profession was predominantly feminine, acting as mediators between the state, institutions, and the population. The 1934 Constitution recognizes Social Work, establishing its legal foundations and expanding its role in sectors such as health, education, social assistance, and justice. In this context, it is worth noting that Social Work was one of the first professions in the social field to have its professional regulation law approved, in Law 3252 of August 27, 1957.