Socio-labor conditions and challenges for social workers in Paraguay

Abstract

This article presents the results of an exploratory research project, which aimed to describe and analyze the working conditions and challenges faced by social workers working in different institutions in Paraguay, in a context of reconfiguration of capital-labor relations, which impact the manifestations of the social issue and the social protection systems and therefore social work, considering its close relationship with social policies. The methodology combined open interviews with representatives from the main organizations that bring together professionals in the country, including the Paraguayan Social Work Association (APSSTS-Py), the Itapúa Social Workers Association (APTSI), and the Union of Social Work Professionals of Paraguay (SIPROTRASOPY), and a self-administered survey (open and closed questions) administered to social workers who voluntarily agreed to respond between May and June 2023. The main findings confirm the historically female profile of this group and their majority participation in state institutions (national, departmental, and municipal). There is also evidence of high job insecurity, a low level of membership in representative organizations, and a demand for greater coordination between training institutions and graduate organizations, among other issues.