Discussion: Values Underlying Theory And The NASW Code Of Ethics
Elect feminist theory or empowerment theory. Summarize the underlying principles and values of the theory in 3 to 4 brief sentences.
I opted for the idea of empowerment, which analyzes the challenges that marginalized people encounter in gaining political agency and suggests strategies for addressing those issues. The empowerment paradigm addresses social, political, and internalized barriers that oppressed people have experienced due to their oppression. Because the empowerment paradigm focuses on the successes of oppressed individuals, the social worker’s role is to encourage such individuals to achieve success rather than to rescue them (Turner, 2017).
Analyze the extent to which the underlying principles and values of the theory are consistent with the NASW Code of Ethics in 3 to 4 brief sentences.
The NASW’s mission and values include helping those in need and combating social injustice. Since oppression frequently results from social injustice, the empowerment theory is highly consistent with our values. If we want to help our clients become more self-reliant, we must confront and address social injustice and issues and teach our clients how to do the same.
Briefly describe a client from your fieldwork experience and their presenting problem in 2 to 3 sentences using the theory you selected
A female client of mine was experiencing physical abuse in her relationship. After receiving a call from her, the police came to her house and contacted me. Because of her boyfriend’s high military status, she felt helpless and hopeless in the face of the violence and fear for her safety.
Identify one ethical standard from the NASW Code of Ethics that would apply to the client you described.
According to ethical norm 6.04 (a) of the NASW Code of Ethics, social workers are expected to engage in social and political action to ensure that all people can meet their basic requirements and realize their full potential. “In order to address fundamental human needs and promote social justice, social workers need to be aware of the influence of the political arena on practice and push for reforms in policy and law” (NASW, 2017).
Explain how the theory is consistent with the work you did with the client and the ethical standard
My client meets this criterion since she could not end her relationship sooner due to restrictions imposed by law and policy. Her lover was her partner, and she was the legal owner of the house they shared. However, the police would not evict him until there was physical abuse. Because of his knowledge of her dread of him, her companion psychologically harassed her until she was terrified for her life and could go nowhere. Even though the army installation had a Family Advocacy Program to help victims of domestic abuse, she was not eligible for services since she was not married to her boyfriend. She worked on the army base, making her readily available to his buddies, who would harass her regularly and help him damage her reputation with their strong supporters.
Because my client needed representation and information on available resources and the measures, she might take to protect herself and her property, my work with her was compatible with the empowerment theory and the ethical norm.
Colleague 2
Select feminist theory or empowerment theory. Summarize the underlying principles and values of the theory in 3–4 brief sentences.
I chose the Empowerment Theory which addresses obstacles and establishes a plan to gain empowerment. The empowerment theory aims to addresses obstacles that have been internalized based upon experiences by those that have been oppressed. Individual achievement on the part of the oppressed is pivotal to the empowerment theory, so the social worker must assist the client to empower themselves rather than acts as a savior for the client (Turner, 2017).
Analyze the extent to which the theory’s underlying principles and core values, as found in the preamble, are consistent with the NASW Code of Ethics in 3–4 brief sentences.
The NASW’s mission and values states that Social Workers should not discriminate against people on the basis of their culture, gender, religion, beliefs, race, mental appearance, political belief, age, immigration status, or marital status. The principles and values of the theory are consistent with the NASW code of ethics (National Association of Social Workers, 2017). To assist clients by empowering them, social workers must fight social injustice and social issues while educating them on ways to fight.
Briefly describe a client from your fieldwork or other professional experience and their presenting problem in 2–3 sentences using the theory you selected.
During my daily experience as a Probation Agent, I have managed a client who has lived a life filled with crime. He failed to seek employment or to continue his education while dropping out of school in the 10th grade. He didn’t think he was privileged to prosper in life based on his surroundings. I had to furnish him with resources to help him apply goals and help achieve them.
Identify one ethical standard from the NASW Code of Ethics that would apply to the client you described. Be sure to identify the numerical standard from the code of ethics to which you are referring .
The National Association of Social Workers’ code of ethics ethical standard 1.02 Self-determination states: Social Workers respect and promote the right of clients to self-determination and assist clients in their efforts to identify and clarify their goals (National Association of Social Workers, 2017).
Explain how the theory is consistent with the work you did with the client and the ethical standard.
The client has lived all of his life observing crime which he also followed. He never had guidance or any other revenues to use as a guide. The standard applies by supplying the client with readily available resources and help him understand there are other positive avenues. He will have positive reinforcement along with the empowerment that is needed to proceed through his obstacles of living a crime free and live an honest life. The Empowerment Theory will be consistent with the client and will be provided with resources, referrals, education, trades, insurance, and living assistance if applicable.