As práticas assistencialistas e a institucionalização da cultura do benefício

Abstract

This article touches on the current tendency of the diffusion of practices, which may be grouped under the title of solidarity actions, among which charity is included. Tlhe study in which it is based indicates that the intense volume of charitable actions in Fortaleza has contributed in securing the survival, in this city, of a great number of the poor. The social welfare practices, that are going through an attempt at modernization and at times are assuming the caracter of qualifying for employment those being helped, have nor been, however, capable of including them in the society as individuaIs able to promote their own existence. At the same time, these actions contribute to develop among them values, behaviors and expectations, which may be grouped under the designation of welfare culture.