Care and justice

Abstract

An ethic of care and an ethic of justice are commonly presented as distinct moral theories, with proponents of each view critiquing the other. In this chapter I argue that care and justice are logically compatible, interdependent and indispensable to one another. While a commitment to social justice is a cornerstone of critical social work practice, justice cannot be properly served without an ethic of care, enacted through relationship and paying particular attention to the unique context and needs of individuals. The profession of social work was deeply steeped in the idea of care from the outset. However, in recent decades, care has become devalued and undermined as a focus on scientific, evidence-based practice has become dominant. Drawing on interviews with social workers and social work clients, I argue that if social work practice is to be based on a critical ethics, attention to social justice is not enough. A focus on care is also required and needs to be returned to the heart of social work practice.

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