Intrinsic Values
Intrinsic values are the core principles and ideals that are considered inherently valuable and desirable in social work, regardless of their utility or outcomes. They represent the fundamental beliefs and commitments that underlie the profession and its practitioners. Intrinsic values include:
- Dignity and Worth of the Individual: Social workers believe in the inherent value and worth of every individual, irrespective of their circumstances, background, or challenges.
- Social Justice: Social work is rooted in a commitment to achieving fairness and equity in society. It involves advocating for the rights and well-being of marginalized and oppressed populations. Social workers are expected to demonstrate honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all their interactions and decisions.
- Service: The primary mission of social work is to serve and assist individuals and communities in need. This value emphasizes selflessness and dedication to helping others.
- Importance of Human Relationships: Social workers recognize the significance of human relationships in promoting well-being and supporting individuals in their struggles.
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Instrumental values
Instrumental values are the means or methods through which social workers strive to achieve the intrinsic values. They are the practical strategies, techniques, and approaches used to fulfil the ethical and moral principles of social work. These values are instrumental because they are used as tools or instruments to achieve the broader goals of the profession. Instrumental values often include:
- Empowerment: Empowering individuals and communities to make informed decisions, access resources, and exercise their rights is a fundamental instrumental value.
- Advocacy: Social workers engage in advocacy efforts to influence policies and systems that impact the well-being of vulnerable populations.
- Cultural Competence: Recognizing and respecting cultural diversity and tailoring interventions to meet the unique needs of individuals and communities.
- Client-Centered Practice: Focusing on the preferences, goals, and strengths of clients to develop interventions that are client-centered and respectful of their autonomy.
- Evidence-Based Practice: Using research and empirical evidence to inform interventions and ensure their effectiveness.
Why we need values in Social Work?
- Guiding Principles: Values help social workers make ethical decisions and navigate complex situations.
- Professional Integrity: Adhering to values ensures trust and respect between social workers and clients.
- Promoting Social Justice: Values guide social workers in advocating for the rights of marginalized individuals.
- Enhancing Well-being: Emphasizes the role of social workers in improving the well-being of individuals and communities.
- Cultural Competence: Encourages sensitivity to cultural and ethnic diversity.
- Empowerment: Guides social workers in empowering clients to address their own needs.
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In short, intrinsic values are the foundational principles of social work that reflect the moral and ethical ideals of the profession, while instrumental values are the practical methods and approaches used to achieve these ideals. Both sets of values are integral to ethical social work practice, as they guide social workers in their efforts to promote the well-being, dignity, and rights of individuals and communities.
