Relational ethics as enrichment of social justice: Applying elements of contextual therapy to social work

Abstract

This article applies insights of the contextual theory and therapy, developed by Ivan Boszormenyi-Nagy, to the body of knowledge and practice of social work. Social work and contextual therapy share their focus on justice. In social work, it is mainly elaborated as social justice, placed in the discourse of politics and action. Contextual therapy however, elaborates justice as relational ethics; a fundamental element of human relationships, expressed in an innate tendency to care for each other. According to the contextual theory, evoking this reciprocal care enhances human wellbeing. Therefore, next to the focus on social justice on macro level, this article introduces a focus on relational justice on micro level. Relational justice aims at restoring and enhancing relationships within the family, with those who are relevant for the wellbeing of the family, and with the family’s context. A focus on relational justice encompasses a promising resource for human wellbeing, and a constructive framework for a contextual social work approach. Subsequently, applicable interventions from the contextual therapy, derived from a previously conducted qualitative research on the practice of contextual therapy, are tailored to the social work practice. Conclusively, this article states that justice within family relationships is an important element for successfully realizing of social justice.

Care ethics framework for midwifery practice: A scoping review

“…Therefore, it is difficult to be precise about the relationship junction between the empirical data and ethical analyses, which may account for the limited research into the ethics guiding health professionals practice. 56 This scoping review endeavoured to summarize how health professionals had used the normative theory care ethics in practice. Through the systematic analysis and synthesis of the literature, a framework was proposed to integrate the normative care ethics theory to guide future health care practice.…”

“…Therefore, it is difficult to be precise about the relationship junction between the empirical data and ethical analyses, which may account for the limited research into the ethics guiding health professionals practice. 56…”

Couple relational ethics: From theory to lived practice

“…The therapist helps the couple cultivate a readiness for dialogue and the ability to come back into dialogue when they have become mired in a "mismeeting" (Buber, 1973), an interaction of hurt or disconnection. Like mothers with their babies (Tronick, 2007), or intimate partners (Gottman, 2011), there are many moments of disconnection or being out of sync, even in well-attached relationships. Buber maintains that we cannot avoid I-It interactions or always be in an I-Thou relation; this is the "sublime melancholy of our lot" (Buber, 1970, p. 68).…”

Aporte De La Ética Levinasiana Al Cuidado en La Terapia Contextual

“…Mientras que para Cotroneo (1986) el objetivo de este marco de trabajo es ayudar a que los miembros de una familia puedan encontrar un balance o equilibrio entre el dar y el recibir. Para van der Meiden, Noordegraaf y van Ewijk (2018) la TC tiene como objetivo principal restaurar las injusticias y mejorar el cuidado responsable dentro de las relaciones, así como procurar el bienestar del cliente y no solo provocar cambios en su conducta. También tiene como objetivo el cuidado de las generaciones futuras y el aumento de la confianza relacional de manera recíproca.…”