Constructing meaningful and visible social education contexts in portuguese reality: a critical approach of profissionalismo and pratices

Abstract

There is a growing acceptance in Portuguese reality of the Social Educator profession as well as it’s recognition in institutional dynamics. Still different challenges to full recognition are in discussion, namely those of invisibility related to processes of recognition from a theory of action perspective and with impact in the construction of a social and moral epistemology (Honneth, 1994; 2003). In spite all constrains, different professional features enable social educators to respond to new arenas of intervention, since they are challenged to reinvent themselves professionally by amplifying their intervention scope. Their profile is resilient and prepared with multidisciplinary knowledge making them capable of an ambitious intervention. It is time, then, to recognize that these professionals are able to conciliate methodological and pedagogical knowledge, guided by humanitarian values that define their professional practices. Key-words: Social Educator, recognition, visibility, critical approach, professional practices