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Social work, initially a private initiative, which remained hidden, later became a public practice but primarily in its corrective aspect. At first, private initiatives and public policies worked hand in hand. Then, the state took over social matters to secure them, and this became the welfare state. But its practice followed neoliberal processes of the division of labor, and the separation of branches (illness, old age, family) cast suspicion on the costs and returns of each, redirecting social protection toward budgetary matters. Social work thus became defined by the measurement of its pace. In any case, it remains that social work must continue its work of providing support, and in doing so to continue speaking out, at the risk of incorrectness, to convey the uncomfortable truths that challenge consensual beliefs and all forms of dogma.