Social assistance: theoretical underpinnings

Abstract

The case of the marginalized and how society regarded or responded to the same has played a significant part in shaping
human history, philosophy and religious development. From the looks of it, the issue has not been laid to rest as society debates
the share of the marginalized in the resources that are gained in a given society. Whether one calls it class struggle or competition
for the ever dwindling resources, claims and counter claims have taken both amicable and violent forms between the haves and the have-nots. Much literature reflects this tug of war that has increasingly transcended national borders. A lot of movements and groupings have emerged over the years to close the gap of resource accessibility and to bring about a community where no one suffers from want and/or exclusion. Social justice as it is called has not come easily to many societies. Many sacrifices have been made in bringing about a playing field where the poor could not be ignored for the many lacks that they may have. From this tension, many gains of goodwill that have their own pivotal roles in making for mature and great societies have been made. From early on, the poor have had many allies. The ancient giants of thought and faith have appealed to all of means to share what they have with the less fortunate and have staked character primarily on the basis of one’s sense of obligation to the poor. Whether virtue or beneficence or piety, these concepts have come to characterize much of the stance of society towards the poor. The Judeo Christian tradition went further in making care for others as the epitome of the love that it advances. Islam regards