Abstract

Introduction: in Latin America, the relationship between social education and social work has been a topic of growing interest, with a focus on the convergence and epistemological differences between both disciplines. Objective: this study aims to critically analyze scientific production in Latin America between 2017 and 2022 in relation to the professional identity of Social Work and Social Education. Method: a retrospective review of scientific production was carried out between 2017 and 2022, quantifying published articles, methodologies used, participants, research countries and content analysis. Results: after analyzing 102 documents, 82 relevant publications were identified. A predominantly female participation was observed in the social intervention category and an incipient recognition of social education as a scientific discipline in Latin America. Conclusions: the convergence between social education and social work in Latin America presents challenges and opportunities to strengthen professional identity, promoting social justice and the development of communities in diverse and fragmented contexts.