Core Value: Social Justice
by Heather Bradley-Geary, MSW
The National Association of Social Workers-Code of Ethics has an entire section dedicated to Social Justice. Section 6 (Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities to the Broader Society) states that Social Workers are called by the Code to:
6.01: “Social Workers should advocate for living conditions conducive to the fulfillment of basic human needs and should promote social, economic, political, and cultural values …that are compatible with the realization of Social Justice.”
6.02: “Social Workers should facilitate informed participation by the public in shaping social policies and institutions.”
6.03: “Social Workers should provide appropriate professional services in public emergencies to the greatest extent possible.”
6.04 (a): “Social Workers should engage in social and political action.”
6.04 (b): “Social Workers should act to expand choice and opportunity for all people…”
6.04 (c): “Social Workers should promote conditions that encourage respect and cultural and social diversity with the United States and Globally.”
6.04 (d): “Social Workers should act to prevent and eliminate domination of, exploitation of, and discrimination against any person, group, or class on the basis….”
Social Workers SHOULD, this is not a choice. Social Work is political. Social Work fights for equity, no exceptions. What are you doing to follow your Social Justice Code of Ethics? What are you doing to ensure a just society?