I've found the article: Social Justice and Social Work by Pelton to be very intriguing. I thought he made many interesting points as to how social work students should be getting taught about nondiscrimination. To be taught about it only because this is a problem that social workers encounter out in the field. For us as students to recognize when discrimination is happening is vital and this article brought light onto this subject for me.
Its a very sad thing that many companies hinder social workers from really doing what they are suppose to do, just because of policies. Which leads me to believe that it will be a challenge to honor the ethics and value code of conduct as a social worker. Pelton clarifies what social justice and community means, which I think are two words that many individuals need to be reminded of. For that matter not just individuals but companies too need to be reminded. Ive seen many companies or programs that defeat the purpose of providing help for others due to all their assessments and or criteria to receive aid. So I can see why many people would rather not work because its easier to receive help than it is if you have income.(Being raised in a low income community I saw this all the time)
I like the way Pelton compared welfare reform as being selectively applied to programs for needy children and mother but fail to recognize that veterans, elderly and disabled need it to, which is not any different than dividing the less fortunate into black and white people. So discrimination is discrimination regardless of how its done.
To seek justice and empower people is what a social worker seeks out to do but nothing in life is easy. Discrimination is our enemy and to be aware of our capability as a human race to be discriminate is helpful in recognizing when we or anybody else does it.
Despite any obstacle that could hinder me as a social worker from helping someone to the fullest(like policies), I still look forward to helping as many lives a possible and willing to take that challenge.
I thought this scripture was perfect for this topic: Isaiah 1:17- Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.
I agree with you when you said it will be hard to follow the code of ethics. I was actually just talking to my mom about how it will hard as a social worker to put aside our own feelings in certain situations. I also love the scripture. I think it's very fitting. Very nice.
ReplyDeleteMay you helped me realize that I may have over generalized my ideas. I sort of blamed the social workers for their actions and didn't quite consider the policies that may force professionals to act as they do. I'll say thanks for that clarification and AWESOME blog!! I look forward to reading more!
ReplyDeleteI love that you added in scripture here. I tend to struggle with religion, but when the Bible offers some truth or advise to something relevant I love to be alerted.
ReplyDeleteI think its awesome that you focused on the business part of social work since often I forget that our biggest challenge may be our own company or system, and our job is to challenge that. Empowering, yet kinda scary...
May, I love that you talk about how social workers are going to be constricted by their employers when it comes to how they carry out their jobs and who they are "allowed" to help. As social workers we want to help those in need regardless of how big or small that need is, or how qualified they are to receive help. I am not sure if one day I have to turn someone away due to company rules that I will even be able to do such a thing. When someone asks for help, it is our nature to help them. Not to discriminate by group membership or the level of need.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your perspective on Pelton's article. I heartily concur. Thank you for including the scripture, I thought it was a beautiful sentiment.
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