Ethics, Values, and Social Work: A Comprehensive Guide
Classified in Philosophy and ethics
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Ethics and Values in Social Work
Ethics
Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with morality and human duties. It explores the concept of "a must" that aligns with human nature and addresses the demand for universal values.
Moral Values
Moral values are norms and behaviors that guide human obligations in their interactions with each other and society.
Values
Values represent the ideal ways of being or acting for individuals or communities. They serve as goals and relate to culture, contributing to the common good. Values carry an emotional weight, enabling individuals to prioritize them over personal desires.
Beliefs
Beliefs signify a strong conviction and adherence to something, fully accepting an event or news as true. Unlike values, beliefs are not inherently action-oriented.
Ideologies
Ideologies are action-oriented but are distinguished by their lower functionality compared to values in upholding a power system.
Functions of Values
- Influence social dynamics
- Provide coherent cultural patterns
- Contribute to the psychic unity of people
- Promote social inclusion
- Guide behavior patterns
- Act as means of social pressure and control
- Establish criteria for occupational prestige in open societies
- Shape social preferences towards cultural or material objects
Values in Social Work
Social work values can be categorized into four areas:
- Belief in the personal value of humans
- Belief in self-determination
- Belief in personal development
- Belief in social responsibility
Professional Ethics
Professional ethics encompasses the moral principles that govern a profession's activities, outlining the duties professionals must fulfill towards society, clients, and colleagues.
Premises:
- Ethics serves as a value reference that sets parameters for individual relationships with society.
- We operate within an advocacy space that confronts us with citizenship, the full realization of which is marked by a professional project we are committed to.