Descriptive Ethical relativism believes that different cultures have different moral values and normative ethical relativism suggests that each culture is right unto itself. To export a reference to this article please select a referencing stye below: If you are the original writer of this essay and no longer wish to have your work published on UKEssays.com then please: Our academic writing and marking services can help you! The starting point of dealing with this case would be an assessment of the Bertram’s situation. A person’s cultural experiences and background will affect the decisions they make and may bias their behaviour. (Parrott, 2010) Dubois and Miley (1996) state ethics are concerned with what people consider “right” while values are concerned with what people consider good. *You can also browse our support articles here >. We're here to answer any questions you have about our services. This is a text to be commended for its scope and depth. Ethical issues are embedded in relationships and responsibilities. Radical social work is seen as belonging to an area of social work which can also be known as “critical” or “activist” social work. Our experience tells us that this can be a difficult process, one that many are unsure about. McIntyre (1982) cited in Payne (1997) summarises the radical approaches criticisms of traditional social work as; traditional social work reduces complex social problems into individual psychological ones, it cuts service users off from others who may share the same problem and it reinforces the capitalist social order that is oppressive. Relativism suggests that all points of view are equally valid and the individual determines what is true and relative for individuals. 11 Critically evaluate three sociological concepts related to the role of the family. The radical approach would empower the service user into change enabling them to overcome problems and equip them with techniques to deal with these independently in the future. (Banks S, 2006: 31) In order for a social worker to show full respect there are four key elements that have to be met, these are, acknowledgement, preservation, non-destruction and engagement (Banks and Gallagher, 2009). The radical position takes a transformational view of social work, and as such is concerned with transforming society to benefit the most oppressed rather than focusing on the individual (Hill, 2010). Judgements should be informed directly by what Mr and Mrs Bertram say about their circumstances. To continue using our website and consent to the use of cookies, click click 'Continue'. This could mean trying to communicate with Mrs Bertram at select times when she is more lucid and can participate as much as possible. A written code of ethics enables social workers to judge their practice against an ethical standard and enables service – users to understand what conduct they should expect from their social worker. No plagiarism, guaranteed! In some instances problems may arise as social workers come into the profession with their own set of personal values and these may conflict with their professional values. These have culminated in the General Social Care Council’s (GSCC) code of conduct that is in place today (Barnard, 2008). Sule feels that the ethical issues for NPs are in consent and capacity, confidentiality and autonomy, and in the non-compliance on part of patient. It describes a cyclical process of social work interactions developing new theories and refining old ones. Our values are formed through personal development and socialisation and will be influenced by both past and present experiences. Therefore when thinking about practice this approach would say to think of the persons outcome (future) when dealing with the present situation. Mrs Bertram has been referred by another professional because of her Alzheimer’s. Kant also believed that by using reason this would develop a ‘consistent moral system’. What do you think are 5 ethical issues facing physicians today? ‘Social workers must first clarify their own value stance in relation to value-laden issues they meet in practice situations if they want to be true to themselves and to their profession’ (Dolgoff, 2009:54). A social worker’s personal values may inform their understanding of practice. The facts of a case alone cannot determine what action must be taken, ‘it would be impossible to make choices without values’ (Beckett and Maynard 2005:7). These ethical breaches often occur unreported or unaddressed, and when totaled, can command a hefty cost. Early Education 2 Victoria Square St Albans AL1 3TF. Company Registration No: 4964706. The National Occupation Standards (NOS) for Social Workers state clearly that values and ethics are central to being a competent practitioner. A social worker would be expected to balance Mrs Bertram’s right to self-determination, her safety and the concerns of her family for her welfare as ‘it is often the social worker’s job to assess the whole situation and work for a solution in the best interests of all concerned’ (Banks 2006:167). Social workers face ethical dilemmas on a daily basis, Banks illustrates this in her quotation ‘ethical dilemmas occur when the social worker sees herself as facing a choice between two equally unwelcoming alternatives, which may involve a conflict of moral values, and it is not clear which choice will be the right one’ (Banks 2006:13). Who might be sensitive to these issues? The impact of all practice on service – users can be said to be powerful and therefore the ethics and value base emphasises the importance that the moral standing of service – users is equal to that of the professional (Hugman, 2008). Social workers take on a variety of responsibilities that should ultimately serve their clients' best interests. Money Matters: Top tips to keep you solvent, Jill Manthorpe looks at research on suicide and depression among older people, Practice Manager – Assessment & Intervention, Pandemic fuelling placement shortage in all children’s care settings, directors’ report warns, ‘Unacceptable’ do not resuscitate orders made in first Covid wave and some may still be in place, says CQC, Ofsted head praises quality of direct work under Covid but warns of pressures to come as referrals rise, ‘Our profession must be much more inclusive to disabled people’: a letter to the chief social workers. Therefore values can be seen as the fundamental beliefs that an individual or group holds to be true and ethics the more formalised rules or guidelines of an organization or society. In the late modern society, ethical issues in h ealth and social care profession n ow seems t o cause moral panic in different ways i ncluding through the media. Ethical Issues in Society Today Introduction Ethical issues are circulating in the society, which has gained the individual's attention. The Code of Ethicsstates the values and ethical principles on which the profession is based. By this Kant meant people should be valued and respected as an individual and not used for the benefit of others. 1st Jan 1970 In fact it is impossible to satisfactorily undertake the work without a clear ethical framework. One straight forward way to identify any ethical or social issues that may arise from engaging the public with your research, is to ask yourself a few simple questions: 1. Virtue ethics is a theory that looks into an individual’s character. Neil Thompson (2006, p40) defines oppression as ‘inhuman or degrading treatment of individuals or groups; hardship or injustice brought about by the dominance of one group over another; the negative and demeaning use of power. He spends considerable time at his club, leaving his wife alone in the house vulnerable and at risk. (direct quote ?need pg number) Although values are personal to us as individuals, they may also be shared by the society or culture in which we live. Th e media‟s The radical position sees the professionalisation of social work as alienating workers from service users. For specific guidance for practitioners, see APA's Record Keeping Guidelines. According to Parrott (2010), ethics can be seen to guide an action and are there to inform and influence any judgements made according to the professional value base of social work. Ethical behavior is diminishing with the rise of conflicts and contradictions between individual and individual, individual and society, society and organization, employee and organization, etc. Therefore one persons’ suffering is acceptable as the greatest number of people is happy. Overall, it should prove to be of great value to students and practitioners. Registered office: Venture House, Cross Street, Arnold, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG5 7PJ. The book covers area such as: service users and ethics ethical issues in health and social care research ethics and social care – political, organisational and interagency dimensions ethics – caring for children and young people ethical dimensions in caring for people with complex disabilities ethics and older people and ethics and euthanasia. Downie and Telfer (1969, 1980) state that ‘respect can be regarded as an active sympathy’ towards another human being’ (Banks S, 2006: 29). Over the years, there have been developments in the profession with Recognition respect is in essence when a human being is worthy of respect whether it is for something they have communicated verbally or through their actions. 4. Relativism theorises that truth is different for different people, not simply that different people believe different things to be true. Looking for a flexible role? An individual may lie to be seen as virtuous because they want to be seen as an honest person. It is both accessible and jargon-free, and provides readers with an understanding of some of the challenging issues facing health and social care workers in the UK and elsewhere. * Abortion. Kant’s ideology was to set aside people’s view of religion and spiritual beliefs and move to the idea of being rational. Subjective relativism allows us to be rulers of our own principles and how we chose to live our lives. 2. Health and social care profession is one of the most common professions in contemporary Britain. The Collins English Dictionary (2009) defines values as the moral principles and beliefs of a person or group and ethics as a social, religious or civil code of behaviour considered correct, especially that of a particular group, profession, or individual. Reference this. Social workers face ethical dilemmas on a daily basis, Banks illustrates this in her quotation ‘ethical dilemmas occur when the social worker sees herself as facing a choice between two equally unwelcoming alternatives, which may involve a conflict of moral values, and it is not clear which choice will be the right one’ (Banks 2006:13). T: 01727 884925 E: office@early-education.org.ukoffice@early-education.org.uk The Bertrams’ financial situation is unclear as it appears that Mr Bertram doesn’t have much inheritance money left which has led to rent arrears. Banks implies that social workers are often involved in personal and even painful issues and ethical judgements in social work that are about ‘human welfare’ (Banks 2006:155). (Clifford and Burke, 2009) Different contributions are made by various ethical perspectives in any given situation and these must be considered. All work is written to order. The various incidents of money laundering and insider trading forced Governments to impose laws on such corporations so that they adopt ethical practices. Social workers should involve the service user in the decision making process, working in partnership and keeping them fully informed about their case. Mrs Bertram’s daughters distrust Mr Bertram and believe it’s in her best interest to be moved into residential care. The ones I mention here have no scientifically right or wrong answer… thus are purely ethical and personal. The code expects social workers to respect every human being and ensure the protection of vulnerable people. This is not an example of the work produced by our Essay Writing Service. 04002826. Mrs Bertrams’ insight appears to be severely impaired by her end stage Alzheimers and an assessment of the health risks may require securing detailed information from the GP about Mrs Bertram’s Alzheimer’s and other health issues, and the likely prognosis. Copyright © 2003 - 2020 - UKEssays is a trading name of All Answers Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales. The British Association of Social Workers has a code of ethics, divided into: human dignity and worth, social justice, service, integrity and competence.