Bala Extra · Pedro M. Sánchez

Día Mundial del Trabajo Social (fue ayer, te cuento hoy)

·20 min·2 clips

Social workers took to the streets to explain their true perimeter, rejecting being a 'catch-all' for other systems' failures.

The episode begins with Pedro M. Sánchez explaining that his social work team took to the streets on World Social Work Day to address public confusion about their role. He states that social services are often expected to fix problems from other systems, like housing or education, but they refuse to be a 'band-aid' for structural failures. Sánchez introduces Fernando Fantoba, a psychologist and sociologist, as a key influence who advocates for 'ensuring the perimeter' of social services. Fantoba's articles highlight threats like lack of professional respect and the misconception that anyone can do social work. Sánchez describes a street theater activity where they used keywords and collages to engage the public. He explains that social services operate between social exclusion and functional limitations, aiming to support interaction and autonomy. The host emphasizes that social services are not just for mistreated women or migrants but for anyone needing help with daily life and relationships. He critiques the view of social services as a 'broom car' cleaning up after other systems, using examples like housing or income guarantee failures. Sánchez shares a personal anecdote about a divorced man with economic resources but no social network to illustrate new potential clients. He discusses the Zapatero era's dependency law and how care needs are growing in public perception. The episode concludes with reflections on the street event's success, including giving away plants and seeds, and Sánchez's commitment to continuing his work in social services.

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