IL BUONO, IL BRUTTO, IL CATTIVO ASSISTENTE SOCIALE. Condizionalità e discrezionalità delle misure di contrasto alla povertà/The good, the ugly, the bad social worker. Conditionality and discretion of anti-poverty measures

Abstract

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between conditionality and discretion within the operational model of social services. Specifically, it examines how this model is applied in anti-poverty policy. Rather than the typical focus on “the good, the ugly, and the bad” representations applied to low-income recipients, this research considers social workers within these categories.
Using qualitative techniques such as observation, shadowing, and interviews conducted at a city hall in Southern Italy, this study outlines profiles of social workers as ‘the good, the ugly, and the bad.’ The article also discusses how conditionality and discretion impact low-income recipients within these profiles. While drawing definitive research conclusions is challenging, the article suggests potential courses of action for social workers – emphasizing advocacy and non-oppressive approaches – and offers paradigm-shift proposals for policymakers.

Keywords:
Social services; Income support measures; Conditionality; Discretion.