O discurso histórico sobre o serviço social em Portugal

This work was an exploratory study of how the history (historical speech) about social work in Portugal is written and reflected upon, based on national scientific production between 1987 and 2007. The speech referred to derives from studies carried out by Portuguese social workers who have questioned their profession's past. The theoretical problematisation is guided by a discussion of the most significant historiographical conceptions and the historical field's current typification, as well as a reflection about Social Work's structural framework. When analysing the written sources, it was of interest not only to understand what has been asked about Portuguese Social Work's history, but also why and how this profession has been questioned historically over the last few decades. The results highlighted the need to stabilise a theoretical frame of reference about Social Work's nature, leading to the question of whether Social Work's own history could provide further insight into this discussion.