Perceptions of Need and the Ethicality of the Male Social Work Practice

Abstract

A discussion of the ethical requirements of male social workers to actively support women in the struggle for gender equality is presented. Specifically, (1) are males in the social work profession who take no active position on sexism and equality, practicing unethically according to the NASW Code of Ethics (1999) by supporting the patriarchal structure via inaction, while accepting the privileges it affords? And, if so, (2) do male social work practitioners have a moral and ethical duty to actively support social change that would enhance gender equality? The cultural perception of social need is discussed as being inseparable from the perception of moral obligation.It is concluded that male social workers are ethically bound to actively support gender equality.

The Mexicans and “Us Gringos”: A Case Study of Activist Work With Unauthorized Migrants

“…A borough resident complained about migrants: '': : : littering on our streets and private property, urinating on bushes, trees, fences and anything else that doesn't move : : : stray dogs also do that, but stray dogs don't know any better'' (Ward, 2003, ¶1). As noted earlier (Hall, 2007), social structure benefits some and disadvantages others, in part through discourse Downloaded by [University of Connecticut] at 11:20 12 October 2014 that includes ostracism of certain groups. The process is in evidence in this New Transcript letter, as a local citizen equates migrant workers with dogs.…”

“…Structure serves the function of distributing valued resources, including wealth, access to political influence, social and political status, and privilege in society (Cooney, 2006;Gil, 2001;Kondrat, 2002). Key components of social structure include the economy, social class, labor markets, the legal system, and government (Barnes, 2008;Hall, 2007;Kilty & De Haymes, 2000). Each of these elements serves as part of that distributive structure, relegating certain groups to various levels of privilege or disadvantage (Kilty & De Haymes,p.…”

“…In a recent analysis, Hall (2007) described how inequality and social need are produced by social structure. Social need refers to '': : : being othered, disconnected, and often rejected from the dominant construction of society'' (Hall,p.…”

The gender-related experience of frontline Israeli male social workers

“…The inability of male social workers to take position against gendered inequality, while continuing to accept the privileges it affords both professionally and financially, has been critically noted (Hall, 2007). Male social workers often experience the complexity of their professional choice.…”

Inequality Regimes and Men's Positions in Social Work

“…2 2 A related issue is to what extent male social workers challenge men's oppressive and abusive behaviour and try to support the struggle for gender equality (see Hall, 2007; Pringle, 1997). …”