What is it about?
The profession of social work and social work ethics have become inordinately infused with science of the logical-positivist tradition. It is important to embrace different ways of knowing and doing, that incorporate understanding of the inter-related and inter-subjective nature of human dignity and human rights. We must support alternative constructions of professionalism and ethics rooted in postmodern, transpersonal, radical, emancipatory and feminist views that embrace non-hierarchal, egalitarian relationships; Indigenous approaches; worker involvement; subjectivities; relational ethics; and love, care, responsiveness and compassion. Social work must be based on a humanized science and a humanized professionalism.
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Why is it important?
Decolonization is high on the agenda in social work in many countries so this is a timely publication.
Perspectives
The article is based on the Global Social Work Statement of Ethical Principles (GSWSEP), which may be variously interpreted and applied in diverse contexts. Some might interpret key concepts such as empowerment and liberation and certain principles, e.g. ideological control of consciousness and the importance of freedom from the constraints of our own thinking, from a pragmatic, secular point of view only, while others might combine these with understandings of liberation theologies.
Vishanthie Sewpaul
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The (r)evolution and decolonization of social work ethics: The Global Social Work Statement of Ethical Principles, International Social Work, May 2019, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/0020872819846238.
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