Gandhian principles in social work practice: ethics revisited

Area of Science:

• Social Work Ethics
• Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi
• Cultural Values in Social Work

Background:

• Social work is deeply intertwined with cultural values and ethical considerations.
• Technological and scientific progress introduce novel ethical challenges in social work.
• There is a growing need to address values and ethics in the social work profession.

Discussion:

• Mahatma Gandhi's social activism provides a relevant framework for social work ethics.
• Gandhi's principles, including truth-seeking, service, self-development, and nonviolence, are applicable to contemporary social work.
• These principles can serve as a resource for ethical enrichment within the field.

Key Insights:

• Gandhi's philosophy of seeking truth through service enhances ethical practice.
• Emphasis on individual self-development aligns with social work's focus on client growth.
• Nonviolent social action offers a model for ethical intervention and conflict resolution.
• Advocacy for material simplicity promotes a focus on core values over materialism.

Outlook:

• Integrating Gandhian principles can strengthen the NASW Code of Ethics.
• This approach can foster a more value-driven and ethically robust social work practice.
• Further exploration of philosophical traditions can inform social work's ethical evolution.