This article explores the role of social work in addressing poverty, particularly its response to the retrenchment of the welfare state and concerns about social justice. Drawing on Nancy Fraser's theory of redistribution, recognition, and representation, it critiques social work for either focusing on one-sided affirmative or transformative strategies, potentially avoiding the complex realities of poverty. The article argues that social work should embrace the inherent tensions and ambiguities in its anti-poverty efforts and suggests that creating cultural forums to stimulate public debate on poverty could be a valuable role for the field.