Ethical cornerstones for Social Work: dependency, care and autonomy

Abstract

We argue that the current proposed forms of social organization have a fictitious concept of the person as their reference point, which does not provide a response in line with the dignity of persons. This response must be based on the vulnerability and consequent mutual «dependency» that, by nature and throughout life, links us to all human beings without exception. This perspective allows us to assess the manner in which we in fact treat each other, and therefore urge us, beyond righteous indignation, to assume the commitment inherent in what we present as «ethics of care». Citizens must become more aware of this care; it must spread through civil society and become the «solidarity» at the heart of the social State. These reflections reveal the key values of social work, among which the full autonomy of the person constitutes the goal or place toward which we propose directing our attention and our action.