Social Work Leading in Social Justice? Comparing Codes of Ethics of Ten Professions

Background. This study examined the relative emphasis of social justice terms within the codes of ethics of Social Work and 9 allied professions to determine the degree to which professions prioritize promoting a just society. A profession’s code of ethics provides insight into what is valued and therefore prioritized. Social Work has long been considered a leader in social justice. Our study examined the degree to which Social Work leads in promoting social justice currently and historically. 

Methods.  Content analysis methodology (Neuendorf, 2016) was used to identify, code, and analyze the results from the identified code of ethics: social work, marriage and family therapy, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, psychiatry, psychology, public administration, public health, and speech and hearing. We secured current and past codes of ethics for each profession. Six themes related to social justice were used to gather: (1) addressing inequality/oppression, (2) supporting minorities/immigration and/or disenfranchised groups, (3) promoting self-determination, (4) advancing cultural competence and diversity, (5) enhancing just community development, and (6) supporting political engagement.

Results. In 1960, Social Work only clearly endorsed community development. By 1967, addressing inequality and promoting diversity were added. Since 1979, Social Work has continuously endorsed all 6 themes. Among the other 9 professions current code of ethics show that 2 address inequality/oppression, 5 address minorities/immigration, 4 emphasize self-determination, 8 emphasize diversity and cultural competence, 7 promote community development, and 5 highlight the need for political engagement. Of the nine professions, nursing and public administration appear most aligned with Social Work by highlighting 5 themes, followed by occupational therapy and medicine (4 themes), public health and marriage and family therapy (3 themes). Psychiatry and Speech and Hearing only emphasized 1 of 6 themes. In general, there is a trend across disciplines to add themes consistent with social justice. For example, Public Administration only had 3 of 6 themes in 1984 and 1994 where they now boast 5 themes. Nursing followed the same pattern, going from 3 themes to 5 from 2001 to 2015.

Implications. Professional ethics set the stage for what professions emphasize. Social Work has consistently led in promoting a just society through promoting equality, reducing oppression, supporting minorities and traditionally disenfranchised groups, emphasizing self-determination, highlighting the need to promote cultural competence, and enhancing communities and becoming politically engaged. Fortunately, other professions are also involved in these efforts. Though there is considerable variance in adoption of social justice efforts. There is a general trend for professions to overtime adopt positions related to social justice. Working alongside allied professions should enhance a more just society. Nursing and Public Administration are closely aligned with this vision. Some professions that might not initially appear similar to Social Work endorse many of our values (e.g., Occupational Therapy) while others that engage in activities common with Social Work do not advance similar perspectives (e.g., Psychiatry). Future efforts might seek to encourage other professions to formally adopt language that would promote social justice.