Social work isn't just about helping individuals—it's about changing the world. That might sound grandiose, but it's written into our Code of Ethics. Section 6.01 moves us beyond the therapy room and case management desk to tackle the big picture: social workers have an ethical obligation to promote social welfare and justice at every level, from neighborhood to globe.
We're now entering Section 6 of the NASW Code of Ethics—Social Workers' Ethical Responsibilities to the Broader Society. This is where the profession gets political (in the best sense of the word).
Here's the official standard:
6.01 Social Welfare
Social workers should promote the general welfare of society, from local to global levels, and the development of people, their communities, and their environments. Social workers should advocate for living conditions conducive to the fulfillment of basic human needs and should promote social, economic, political, and cultural values and institutions that are compatible with the realization of social justice.
This standard is both inspiring and daunting. It's saying that every social worker—whether you're doing therapy, case management, or policy work—has a responsibility to think bigger than your immediate caseload. You're called to advocate for conditions that help all people thrive.
Think beyond individual clients
While you're helping Maria navigate housing services, you should also advocate for policies that prevent homelessness. While you're counseling Jake through his depression, you should support mental health funding initiatives.
Advocate at multiple levels
"Local to global" means your advocacy can happen in your city council meeting, your state legislature, or through international human rights organizations. Find your level and get involved.
Focus on basic human needs
Housing, healthcare, education, safety, food security—these aren't luxuries. The Code calls them basic human needs that social workers should help ensure for everyone.
Promote social justice values
This means actively supporting fairness, equality, and systems that give everyone a genuine opportunity to succeed. It's not enough to avoid discrimination—you're called to actively fight it.
Consider environmental factors
"Development of people, their communities, and their environments" includes environmental justice. Climate change, pollution, and environmental racism are social work issues.
Advocacy is part of every social worker's job
An ASWB question might present a direct-service social worker who says advocacy "isn't their role." The ethical response recognizes that all social workers have advocacy responsibilities, even if it's not their primary function.
Personal political views vs. professional values
You might see a question about a social worker whose personal political beliefs conflict with social work values like social justice. The ethical response prioritizes professional values and the welfare of vulnerable populations.
Workplace limits on advocacy
Expect questions about social workers in restrictive employment settings. The best answers often involve finding appropriate ways to fulfill advocacy obligations while respecting legitimate workplace boundaries.
Advocacy requires competence too
A question might involve a social worker taking on advocacy efforts without understanding the issues. The ethical response includes educating yourself before speaking out.
Global perspective matters
Questions may test whether you understand that social welfare includes international issues—human trafficking, refugee rights, global poverty—not just local concerns.
Balancing individual and societal needs
You could see scenarios where helping one client conflicts with broader social welfare. The ethical response typically involves finding ways to serve both individual and collective good.
Here's a full-length practice question based upon this material:
A social worker employed by a large healthcare system notices that the organization's billing practices result in many low-income patients receiving collections notices for medical debt. The social worker wants to address this issue but is concerned about potential employment consequences. What should the social worker do FIRST?
A. Set aside the issue for the time being and focus on direct client services.
B. Contact local media to expose the healthcare system's practices.
C. Research the issue thoroughly and explore internal channels for advocating policy changes.
D. Advise affected clients to seek legal counsel while avoiding organizational involvement.
Narrowing down: A violates the obligation to promote social welfare. B skips internal advocacy and could harm the worker's effectiveness. D helps individuals but ignores the systemic issue. The correct answer is C.
Why? Section 6.01 requires social workers to advocate for conditions that fulfill basic human needs. This includes addressing organizational practices that harm vulnerable populations. The ethical approach starts with education and appropriate internal advocacy before escalating to external channels.
This standard can feel overwhelming. How can one social worker possibly address all of society's problems? The Code doesn't expect you to solve everything—it expects you to contribute something. Find the issues that connect to your practice and passion, then get involved at whatever level you can manage.
What This Looks Like in Real Practice
Local level: Attending city council meetings about affordable housing, volunteering for voter registration drives, serving on community boards.
State level: Contacting legislators about social services funding, joining professional advocacy organizations, testifying at hearings.
National level: Supporting federal policies that advance social justice, participating in professional conferences, engaging in policy research.
Global level: Supporting international human rights initiatives, advocating for refugees, addressing global health disparities.
The Bottom Line
Section 6.01 reminds us that social work is inherently political. We're not neutral helpers—we're advocates for justice, fairness, and human dignity. That's not a side gig; it's core to who we are as professionals. The exam will test whether you understand that individual healing and social change go hand in hand.
Ready to tackle more complex ethical scenarios? SWTP's practice exams include questions that test your understanding of social workers' broader societal responsibilities—not just direct practice ethics.
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