Human Dignity In Social Work Profession

Abstract
The ethical foundation of a moral society is deep rooted in the dignity and worth of the human person. The measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person. The inherent dignity and worth of the person is one among the core values in Social Work Profession as per the Code of Ethics laid down by National Association of Professional Social Workers (NASW), 2008. Social Work is a mission which often tends to intervene in the circumstances where human dignity and human rights are denied or ill treated. This paper is a conceptual analysis by nature which highlights the significance of emphasizing human dignity and worth of the individual while practicing Social Work profession. Moreover, it focuses on how Social Work trainees could assure human dignity while dealing with their clients effectively.
Keywords:
Social Workers value the maximum feasible self – determination, empowerment, and enhancing strengths to increase the client’s voice in decision making. ‘The Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EAPS) affirm the commitment of social programs to the core values of the profession: service, social justice, dignity, and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, competence, human rights, and scientific inquiry’ (NASW, 2008 A; CSWE, 2008; as per Hepworth, Glenda and Kim, 2010). Social Workers demonstrate respect for and acceptance of the unique characteristics of ‘diverse populations that are characterized by great diversity, including the intersection of dimensions such as age, class, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, identity and expression, immigration status, political ideology, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation, religion, physical or mental ability, age, and national origin’ (CSWE, 2008; as per Hepworth, Glenda, and Kim,