In her late work "Paths toward a Science of Welfare and Care" Ilse Arlt (1876 - 1960), the Austrian pioneer of scientific social work, summarizes the central points of her theory of social-welfare-oriented, individualized social work, which is anchored in poverty and wellbeing reseach. According to Arlt help can turn into self-help only if the helper strengthens the capacity of the individual to make their own decisions and consume creatively. Therefore, the concept of "creative consuming" is a major aspect of her needs-based theory. Maria Maiss teaches history, theories and ethics of social work at the University of Applied Studies in St. Poelten and at the Universities of Vienna and Graz. (Series: Soziale Arbeit - Social Issues, Vol. 21) [Subject: Social Welfare]