Code Of Ethics: Jemal's Argument For Radical Social Work

workers must work against oppression and injustice to ensure equal treatment and access to resources and opportunities for all. Jemal’s argument for radical social work fits in with the definition laid out here. Additionally, the NASW lays out numerous standards to meet each of the ethical values. Under the category of “ethical responsibilities to clients” is standard 1.05, Cultural Competence and Social Diversity, which states that social workers should be educated and understanding of a spectrum of client backgrounds, cultures, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion, and physical and mental abilities, among other categories (“Code of Ethics”). Additionally, there are standards for Competency and

The social justice piece is very important in social work’s Code, as it distinguishes social work from other helping professions, and radical social work is justice motivated. Traditional social work follows more along the lines of the medical model and social justice may be set aside in the interests of helping those who can pay or have health insurance learn coping skills. The social justice and competency standards written into the Code must not be forgotten or set aside. Jemal is calling for radical social workers to keep these standards as their goals and

I was previously at a large high school working with a nonprofit and this year I am working in an elementary school with that school’s social worker. Last year, especially, I was exposed to a diverse group of students and staff, which provided me with many opportunities to interact with people from varying backgrounds, cultures, socioeconomic statuses, beliefs, etc. This year, although I am only a week in to practicum, my first impression is that the students are largely of a similar socioeconomic station and are less diverse. The staff is predominantly female and white. While I have not experienced much difficulty in either a traditional or radical social worker role thus far, I expect that eventually all roles within social work experience some pushback. From a radical social work perspective, I expect that there will be times when administrators, faculty, members of a board of education, parents, and/or staff in a school setting will be adverse or hesitant to speak out or advocate for students and families on a more macro level. With all of the politics inherent in public education, it may be difficult to advocate for changes on a larger scale. Depending on ages and abilities of students, it may be difficult for a social worker to instill a sense of empowerment within them. It may also be risky to encourage students to organize and advocate for