A historical foundation to social work values and ethics

Abstract

One of the earliest recorded social work ethical dilemmas can be found in Acts of Apostles. Theologians who specialize in the study of Acts of Apostles have given label “social worker” to the protomartyr, Stephen M. Marson. Social work codes of ethics have two primary functions. First, they serve as guidance for professional behavior. In Stephen’s case, it was clear that the ethical road was to make sure that everyone received food and drink. The ethical course of action can be contaminated by governmental regulation, tradition, and cultural perimeters. Second, codes of ethics protect the social worker from the actions of others and more importantly codes protect social service recipients from unethical actions of social workers. Codes of ethics facilitate clarity for ambiguous social circumstances. There exists a third, but more mercenary, function of ethical codes. Part of the definition of a profession is ability to “self-organize” and regulate.