ABSTRACT
This chapter sets out the environment of inequality in which social work and the poor operate. It explores pragmatic and idealist arguments concerning whether or not the poor need social work. The idealist view is that the poor do not need social work, that the problems of poverty are complex, economic and long term. Poverty is concerned with fiscal policy, unemployment, multinationals and the worldwide transfer of goods and services which social workers have no power to affect. Perhaps the poor need a 'one stop shop' - help and advice on all issues concerned with social care including financial needs. If a basic income system was in place, such 'shops' could also incorporate public enquiries regarding an integrated tax system. The idealist concept of an advocate for the poor is developed from theories on the social division of welfare. Tax welfare benefits mainly better off men and some women.
