SK121 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Risk Society, Individual And Group Rights, Neoliberalism
Document Summary
Underlying reasons for a social work code of ethics. Social problems are redefined as individual rather than economic/political problems. Dyadic (and freudian) focus leads to: increased prestige, authority and financial remuneration. Can ignore structural inequalities and local/historical/economic factors. Apply the codes of ethics (abstract principles) to problematic situations to avoid ethical breaches. That it is possible to reconcile contradictions/competing ethical principles within a specific context. E. g. , self determinations vs. a(cid:272)ti(cid:374)g i(cid:374) a (cid:272)lie(cid:374)t"s (cid:271)est i(cid:374)terest. Ethical dilemmas are viewed as individual dilemmas rather than structural dilemmas. This individual focus is a narrow construction that: Assumes personal responsibility & culpability of individual workers. Expects strong decision making & rule following to avoid litigation & discipline. In our neoliberal climate, the spotlight is on (cid:862)risk(cid:863) a(cid:374)d (cid:271)la(cid:373)e: Collective rights are replaced by individual obligations. People labelled as (cid:862)high risk(cid:863) = (cid:373)orally suspe(cid:272)t. Clients & social workers (lower status) are scapegoated. (cid:862)risk(cid:863) is (cid:272)alculated as a means of coping.
