Social Work Ethics

'...required reading for students of social work. It is a most timely addition to the lexicon of texts concerning social work ethics.' - Social Work Education 'Social Work Ethics is a book that marks the territory, and defines social work in ways that should cause the profession to think more carefully about the publicly defined and coercive aspects of its role.' - European Journal of Social Work '...a wise and provocative book.' - Martin Davies, Community Care

This book offers a critical introduction to professional ethics for social workers. It recognises that social work is largely a state sponsored activity and therefore poses issues in political theory. The critique is followed by an innovative concept of social work and its relationship to the state.This book offers a critical introduction to professional ethics for social workers. It recognises that social work is largely a state sponsored activity and therefore poses issues in political theory. The traditional values and rules of practice ethics are explained using plentiful examples. The critique is followed by an innovative concept of social work and its relationship to the state. A new approach to practice ethics is developed based on four cardinal principles of respect, justice, citizenship and discipline.