Some Ethical Dilemmas for Agency Social Workers

Abstract

This article considers some ethical consequences which are linked to the more recent rapid expansion in contingency social work. It is noted that increased privatisation within state social work has led to a much greater reliance upon flexible labour. Consequentially, the relationship between temporary workers and clients has altered, and new beliefs and attitudes have formed amongst some employees who lack permanency. With reference to Nietzsche, Marx and Hobbes, it is suggested that if this political process of market-led ‘atomisation’ persists then the consequences are likely to be many. However, more recent labour market trends within state social work suggest some grounds for optimism.

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Notes on contributors

Malcolm Carey

Malcolm Carey is currently Senior Lecturer in Social Work at Liverpool John Moores University, UK. He was previously employed as a researcher and then Social Worker with Adults in London and Merseyside