Expanding the Boundaries of Ethics Education: Preparing Social Workers for Ethical Advocacy in an Organizational Setting

Abstract

Educators have traditionally taught ethics by using models of ethical reasoning, which assume that ethical reasoning skills are sufficient tools for helping social workers to effectively voice clients' and patients' needs in diverse settings. Using hospitals as an example, the authors argue that contextual barriers often prevent social workers from ensuring that patients' and clients' perspectives are adequately represented in ethical deliberations. The authors propose that educators also teach students strategies for how to engage in effective ethical advocacy. Specific strategies that educators can incorporate into course discussions are presented.