We've reached the final section of the NASW Code of Ethics—and it's a big one. Section 6.04 makes clear that social work isn't just about helping individuals on the micro level. Social workers are expected to engage in social and political action as part of their professional responsibilities. The section reminds us that individual healing and systemic change are inseparable.
Here's the official standard:
6.04 Social and Political Action
(a) Social workers should engage in social and political action that seeks to ensure that all people have equal access to the resources, employment, services, and opportunities they require to meet their basic human needs and to develop fully. Social workers should be aware of the impact of the political arena on practice and should advocate for changes in policy and legislation to improve social conditions to meet basic human needs and promote social justice.
(b) Social workers should act to expand choice and opportunity for all people, with special regard for vulnerable, disadvantaged, oppressed, and exploited people and groups.
(c) Social workers should promote conditions that encourage respect for cultural and social diversity within the United States and globally. Social workers should promote policies and practices that demonstrate respect for difference, support the expansion of cultural knowledge and resources, advocate for programs and institutions that demonstrate cultural competence, and promote policies that safeguard the rights of and confirm equity and social justice for all people.
(d) Social workers should act to prevent and eliminate domination of, exploitation of, and discrimination against any person, group, or class on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, or mental or physical ability.
This is the longest single section in the entire Code of Ethics, and for good reason. The political arena affects everything we do—funding, policies, laws, social attitudes. You can't separate practice from politics, so as a social worker, you are expected to engage thoughtfully with both.
Key Responsibilities Understanding that your day job is affected by politics is just the starting point. When funding gets cut, when policies change, when new laws get passed—all of that directly impacts your ability to help clients. So staying informed and engaged isn't optional.
Advocate for equal access to resources. This might mean supporting affordable housing initiatives, healthcare reform, education funding, or employment programs. The goal is ensuring everyone has what they need to survive and thrive.
You'll need to pay special attention to people who get left out or pushed around by existing systems—those who are vulnerable, disadvantaged, oppressed, or exploited. They're specifically mentioned because they're often overlooked in policy discussions.
Promote cultural diversity and competence in policies and institutions. This isn't just about celebrating differences—it's about creating systems that actually work for everyone, regardless of their background.
The Code lists specific categories of people who shouldn't face discrimination, but it's not exhaustive. The principle is clear: work against domination and exploitation in all its forms.
Personal political preferences vs. professional values can create tension. An ASWB question might present a social worker whose personal beliefs conflict with professional advocacy responsibilities. The ethical response prioritizes social work values like social justice over personal comfort.
Workplace restrictions are real but not absolute. You might see questions about government employees or workers in agencies with limits on political activity. The best answers involve finding appropriate ways to fulfill advocacy obligations within legitimate boundaries.
Advocacy requires competence and strategy. Expect questions about social workers who want to take on issues they don't fully understand, or who use ineffective approaches. The ethical response includes educating yourself and working strategically.
Not everyone has to be a lobbyist, but everyone has to contribute something. A question might test whether you understand that social and political action takes many forms—from community organizing to policy research to voter education.
Professional boundaries still matter in political work. You could see scenarios about social workers who pressure clients to adopt certain political positions or participate in advocacy efforts. The ethical response maintains professional boundaries while building capacity for informed participation.
Documentation of advocacy activities may be important for some social workers, especially those in government positions or roles with specific restrictions on political activity.
Here's a practice question based upon this material:
A school social worker notices that budget cuts have eliminated the free breakfast program at her school, leaving many low-income students without adequate nutrition. She wants to advocate for restoring the program. What approach best fulfills her ethical obligations?
A. Focus on individual interventions with hungry students rather than getting involved in budget advocacy.
B. Organize parents and community members to advocate for program restoration while providing her professional expertise.
C. Publicly criticize the school district's priorities at the next school board meeting.
D. Refer families to community food banks and avoid involvement in district political decisions.
Narrowing down: A ignores the advocacy obligation. C risks professional relationships and effectiveness. D addresses immediate needs but ignores systemic change. The best answer is B.
Why? Section 6.04 requires social workers to advocate for policies that meet basic human needs. This includes working for changes that improve social conditions. Organizing stakeholders while contributing professional expertise allows her to fulfill advocacy obligations while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
This standard can feel overwhelming or politically charged, especially for social workers who prefer direct practice or who worry about professional consequences to political engagement. But here's the thing: the problems your clients face didn't appear randomly—they're the result of policy decisions, resource allocation, and systemic issues that require systemic solutions.
Section 6.04 makes it clear that social work is political work—not partisan politics, but work that addresses power, resources, and justice. The exam will test whether you understand that helping individuals and changing systems aren't separate activities—they're two sides of the same professional coin. You can't fully serve your clients without working to change the conditions that create their problems in the first place.
Ready to practice more complex scenarios? SWTP's full-length practice exams include questions that test your understanding of how professional advocacy intersects with direct practice and professional boundaries. Get practice, get licensed!
Right now, get SWTP's online practice exams at a reduced price. Just $39. Get additional savings when buying more than one exam at a time-- less than $30 per exam!
Keep going till you pass. Extensions are free.
To receive our free study guide and get started!