Serviço social na extensão rural: trajetória histórica, bases conceituais e perspectivas de atuação

Abstract

This study investigated the importance of the social dimension in Technical Assistance and Rural Extension (ATER) and the role of Social Work in this field of professional intervention. The research adopted a qualitative approach, based on the historical- dialectical method, with technical procedures for bibliographic and documentary research. The survey and critical analysis of the scientific production on the interface between Social Work and Rural Extension allowed for the identification of the main discussions and academic contributions on this theme. The results show that Social Work has a fundamental role to play in ATER, significantly contributing to the promotion of autonomy, citizenship, and the improvement of the quality of life of rural populations. The analyzed studies address the insertion of Social Work in the field of rural extension, understanding it as an important socio-occupational space for the profession, although marked by tensions and contradictions. However, some limits and challenges also arise, such as the insufficiency of Social Work professionals working in ATER services, difficulties in intersectoral and inter-institutional articulation, cultural and institutional resistance to the social approach in ATER, and the scarcity of financial and structural resources for the development of social actions. These factors represent obstacles that need to be faced so that the potential of Social Work in the social dimension of ATER can be effectively realized. It is concluded that Social Work has an important role to play in rural extension, significantly contributing to the promotion of sustainable rural development, the appreciation of family farming, social inclusion, and the defense of the rights of rural workers. The social worker operates in various areas, from economic planning and marketing of the products of the families served, to community empowerment, conflict mediation, and access to public policies and essential services. This work aligns with both the demands of ATER and the principles and values of Social Work. However, it is still necessary to overcome the limits and challenges encountered, in order to allow Social Work to contribute increasingly effectively to the promotion of equity, social inclusion, and the integral development of rural populations served by ATER. To this end, it is essential to strengthen the insertion and appreciation of social workers in ATER teams, as well as to invest in the production and dissemination of knowledge about the practices developed in this field