Social workers and moral choices. Ethical questions about Giovanna’s case

Abstract

Which questions could be useful for social workers facing moral choices in daily practice? The article presents a concrete case and some questions rooted in various ethical perspectives in social work. The classical approaches, which include teleological, deontological and rights-based approaches, are referred to as universal and general principles. On the other hand, ‘situated’ positions are linked to specific and unique situations in professional practice, such as ethics of care, narrative approaches and face-to-face ethics. Linking different points of view to a specific situation can help social workers understand its ethical features and decide how to act.

Keywords:

• ethical perspectives
• moral questions
• moral choices
• social work practice
• ethical case study

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1. Giovanna and Adriana are invented names.

2. In Italy this would not be possible: the hospital cures pathologies but care is not its remit. Providing home care (such as residential care) is the responsibility of the local authority social worker.

3. The Italian Code of Ethics (Ordine Nazionale degli Assistenti Sociali 2009) indicates the professional principles and responsibilities toward: service users, society, colleagues and other professionals and agencies. The code is a norm respected by all social workers inscribed on a National Occupational Register and provides for sanctions to those who violate the rules.

4. See also Hugman (2005).