ASWB LCSW Social Work Clinical Practice Exam

Which core value encourages social workers to challenge discrimination and advocate for vulnerable populations?

1. Dignity and Worth of the Person

2. Integrity

3. Social Justice

4. Competence

The correct answer is: Social Justice

The core value that encourages social workers to challenge discrimination and advocate for vulnerable populations is Social Justice. This principle is fundamental to the social work profession and entails the commitment to ensure equal rights, opportunities, and protections for all individuals, especially those marginalized or oppressed. Social Justice drives social workers to recognize and address systemic inequalities and injustices that contribute to the disenfranchisement of certain groups. It involves actively working to challenge oppressive structures and policies, promoting fair access to resources, and advocating for changes that improve the status and well-being of disadvantaged populations. This value guides social workers in their efforts to foster an inclusive society where everyone can thrive, making it a central tenet of social work practice. In contrast, while the other values such as Dignity and Worth of the Person, Integrity, and Competence are essential to ethical practice, they do not specifically encompass the aspect of advocacy against discrimination and systemic injustice as clearly as Social Justice does. Dignity and Worth of the Person focuses on individual respect and self-determination, Integrity emphasizes the importance of honesty and ethical behavior, and Competence pertains to the knowledge and skills required to practice effectively. Social Justice stands out as the value directly related to advocating for broad societal change and equity.