The Code of Ethics - Social and Political Action

The majority of ethics questions on the LCSW exam are likely to be drawn from the first sections of the NASW Code of Ethics. Informed consent, self-determination, privacy and confidentiality, etc. The bread and butter of ethics question writing. But as you're preparing, take care to read to the end of the code. Section six--last-but-not-least--is Social Workers' Ethical Responsibilities to the Broader Society. The code reaches beyond clients and colleagues into the macro realm. Ethical social workers' focus is expected to extend to social welfare, public participation, help in public emergencies, and into social and political action. Here's the social and political action part in full:
 

(a) Social workers should engage in social and political action that seeks to ensure that all people have equal access to the resources, employment, services, and opportunities they require to meet their basic human needs and to develop fully. Social workers should be aware of the impact of the political arena on practice and should advocate for changes in policy and legislation to improve social conditions in order to meet basic human needs and promote social justice.

(b) Social workers should act to expand choice and opportunity for all people, with special regard for vulnerable, disadvantaged, oppressed, and exploited people and groups.

(c) Social workers should promote conditions that encourage respect for cultural and social diversity within the United States and globally. Social workers should promote policies and practices that demonstrate respect for difference, support the expansion of cultural knowledge and resources, advocate for programs and institutions that demonstrate cultural competence, and promote policies that safeguard the rights of and confirm equity and social justice for all people.

(d) Social workers should act to prevent and eliminate domination of, exploitation of, and discrimination against any person, group, or class on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, or mental or physical disability.

Given that macro issues are filling headlines daily, don't be surprised to see macro questions drawn from section six of the code. If you've got this read and understood, you'll be ready. Good luck!

For more reading on the topic, there's no better place to turn than to the Code of Ethics itself. Enjoy it again.