O trabalho das assistentes sociais na educação em tempos de negação dos direitos: uma análise a partir da realidade de Campina Grande-PB.

Abstract

The overarching goal of this study was to examine the working conditions of social workers in municipal public schools in the Campina Grande-PB education system, as well as the implications for their professional practice in the face of the dismantling and denial of social rights, including service and education, in the context of neoliberal capitalism. As specific goals, we sought to comprehend how social workers were historically incorporated into municipal public schools; analyze the working conditions of assistants and changes in the way they are hired; and reflect on the limits and challenges faced by these professionals in the development of their work in a context of denial of rights. To achieve the objectives using the historical and dialectical materialism methods, the following categories of analysis were used: totality, contradiction, historicity, and work, as well as the following content categories: working conditions, social work, and the right to education and work. A bibliographical review, documental research, and field research were used, with semi-structured interviews conducted with six educational social workers, three of whom were public servants and three on a temporary contract. The analysis performed allowed us to demonstrate that there are significant differences in working conditions, remuneration, and labor rights between contracted and public tenders. We observed with an ongoing process of precariousness and work intensification related to the broader reorganizations that have occurred at the labor reform. This process is thought to be related to a shift in the conception of the bureaucratic state to a managerial one, which resulted in less investment in schools and professionals, demanding the achievement of goals and results, and making school administration responsible for developing activities with a minimal structure. Charges increased, mainly due to the implementation of the "Busca Ativa" (Active Search) program and a lack of prerequisites such as physical space and transportation. Among the limitations and obstacles, are the necessity to provide dignified working conditions and respect for historically acquired rights, such as admission through public tenders and payment of the minimum wage, as well as necessary infrastructure to carry out its attributions. Although Campina Grande is known for its pioneering spirit in the integration of Social Workers into education, it is believed that this happened against the grain of guaranteeing the category's rights, contradicting its own ethical-political project, and making it difficult to carry out effective work that corresponds to its commitment to social transformation.