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Societal Values In Social Work

Decent Essays

Being in a social work field, ethical principles and values are significant. Societal values can be similar to social work ethics, but they can also differ. Our own beliefs may go completely against the Social Work Code of Ethics. At the same time, they also may align with the ethics perfectly. Out of the seven societal values that we were given, I have lined them up with the social work principle values like this: integrity with integrity; importance of human relationships with privacy; social justice with equality and social justice; dignity and worth of the person with cultural diversity and freedom; lastly competence with knowledge building.

According to the NASW Code of Ethics (2008), “Social workers behave in a trustworthy manner.” The societal value that falls under this principle is integrity. I feel like this societal value is the same as the ethical principles and values. “Social workers act honestly and responsibly and promote ethical practices” (NASW, 2008). This standard is important in being honest and having solid moral principles which comply with integrity. Integrity is crucial to both societal values and social work principles.

Another important societal value that also aligns with NASW Code of Ethics in privacy. Privacy falls under importance of human relationships. “Social workers seek to strengthen relationships among people in a purposeful effort” (NASW, 2008). Every client and every person want privacy and they deserve it. This ethical standard

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