Abstract
This article, part of a masters’ research, aims at problematizing some of the social representations constructed on families in situation of social vulnerability. The study seeks to investigate the social representations of psychologists working at CRAS (Centro de Referência de Assistência Social / Reference Center for Social Assistance) towards users of that service since CRAS is considered the doorway to SUAS (Sistema Único de Assistência Social/ Social Assistance Universal System). Twenty-one psychologists have been interviewed. Results points to the culpabilization of families for their situation of social vulnerability. It reveals an individualistic approach to a representation that is social and family-focused which leads to the psychologization of social problems and the misattribution of blame and responsibility to families for issues that emerge from complex social, political and economic dynamics.
Keywords:
Psychology, Social Work; CRAS; Social Vulnerability; Social Representations