Reviving Resistance: Political Engagement and Ethical Courage in Social Work Practice

Introduction

Social work is a profession rooted in core values of service, social justice, human dignity, and competence (Jackson, 2020). It aims to enhance human well-being and address societal problems, with a focus on vulnerable populations (Jackson, 2020). In the context of globalization, social workers must navigate both local and global issues, adopting a human rights framework for practice (Younghusband & Ife, 2001). The profession aligns with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, addressing challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change (Healy, 2017). Contemporary social work requires practitioners to critically analyze dominant discourses and develop strategies for future change (Morley et al., 2019). The field continues to evolve, facing emerging challenges such as rising global inequality and environmental threats (Morley et al., 2019). Social workers play a crucial role in promoting social justice and human rights, both locally and globally (Younghusband & Ife, 2001; Healy, 2017).

To be effective in this contemporary landscape, social workers must possess the courage to raise their voices against systemic injustices and must be prepared to engage with the broader political and institutional frameworks that shape the lives of the communities they serve. This requires a deeper understanding of power dynamics, policy formulation, and institutional structures. Unfortunately, many social work education programs continue to underemphasize the importance of macro-level practices, particularly in areas such as social action and social welfare administration. As a result, emerging professionals may lack the tools and confidence to challenge dominant systems of oppression.

Recent research emphasizes the critical need for social workers to engage in political action and macro-level practices to address systemic injustices. Ostrander et al. (2017) found that intensive political social work education can increase political efficacy and engagement among social work students and practitioners. Dentato (2022) highlights the importance of integrating macro-practice content in social work curricula, focusing on areas such as program management, advocacy, and policy practice. This aligns with the profession's historical roots in promoting social justice. Pritzker & Lane (2017) trace the evolution of political social work, noting that the NASW Code of Ethics has long required social workers to engage in social and political action.

Despite these calls for political engagement, there remains a need for enhanced education and training in macro-level practices to equip social workers with the tools and confidence to challenge oppressive systems and contribute to building a more equitable society. Therefore, it is imperative that social work education and practice prioritize political literacy, critical thinking, and advocacy skills. In a world increasingly marked by injustice, the need for social workers to act with courage, critical awareness, and political clarity has never been more urgent. To remain relevant and transformative, the profession must embrace its political responsibilities and actively contribute to building a more just and equitable society.

Social Work as a Political Act

Social workers have traditionally focused on individual concerns, family support, and localized community issues. While these interventions are essential, an overemphasis on micro-level practice can unintentionally distance the profession from the broader goal of collective social change. In many cases, the underlying structural and policy-level causes of social issues are overlooked in favor of immediate, surface-level solutions. This tendency is particularly concerning in the current global context, where neoliberal policies have led to the erosion of public welfare systems and increased socio-economic inequality. In such an environment, the role of social workers must go beyond casework and crisis management—it must be political.

Critical questions emerge: Who will address the root causes of injustice? Who will lead efforts toward sustainable, collective social transformation? Social workers, by virtue of their proximity to marginalized communities and their professional ethics, are well-positioned to lead this change. However, this requires the courage to speak out against oppressive policies, to critique unjust systems, and to confront state structures when necessary. Engaging in political action does not imply opposition to government per se; rather, it reflects a commitment to democratic accountability and social justice. In this context, the political role of social workers includes advocacy, lobbying, mediation, policy development, and community organizing. Social workers must be prepared to accept these challenges and actively participate in shaping a fairer society.

Courage in social work is not merely an emotional trait—it is a professional and ethical obligation. Unfortunately, many social work education programs still fall short in cultivating this form of political courage. The curriculum must evolve to include robust training in social policy, governance, and institutional engagement. Ostrander et al. (2017) indicate that intensive political social work curricula can enhance students' political efficacy and planned engagement. Training programs preparing social workers for elected office and leadership roles have shown promise in increasing intentions for political involvement (Lane et al., 2018). By doing so, students can develop the competencies needed to act as politically engaged professionals upon graduation. To remain relevant and truly transformative, the social work profession must fully embrace its political responsibilities and commit to leading the struggle for collective social change.

Challenges of Practicing Courage in Social Work

Exercising courage in social work is not without significant cost. In many contexts—even within democratic societies—acts of resistance and truth-telling can pose serious risks to social workers’ personal safety, professional security, and community relationships. Those working with tribal populations, marginalized groups, or in conflict-affected areas often face threats, intimidation, and surveillance from various actors. Despite these risks, their commitment to challenging structural injustices reflects the foundational values of the profession: not merely to operate within existing systems, but to actively work toward transforming them.

In an era increasingly defined by shrinking democratic spaces and the rise of authoritarian governance, it becomes more crucial than ever for social work to reclaim its radical, justice-oriented roots. However, this journey is fraught with internal and external challenges. One pressing concern is the issue of partiality within the profession itself. Social workers are expected to maintain an independent, ethically grounded stance. The concept of "ethical stress" experienced by social workers when unable to practice according to their values can serve as a catalyst for moral action, challenging neoliberal and managerial approaches that may neglect service users' realities (J. Fenton, 2020). Yet, when they align too closely with particular political ideologies, it raises critical questions about the profession’s neutrality and credibility.

In a society where political favoritism and ideological loyalty are prevalent, social workers may struggle to gain the trust of communities or navigate politically sensitive situations effectively. This ideological polarization can compromise professional judgment and the ethical foundation upon which social work is built. Moreover, criticism of government actions when policies perpetuate inequality or violate human rights may not always be received constructively. In some cases, governments may view dissenting social workers as adversaries rather than as constructive stakeholders. This dynamic can lead to targeting, silencing, or institutional exclusion of professionals who dare to speak out.

Even within academic institutions, faculty members who train future social workers may themselves be influenced by political affiliations, consciously or unconsciously embedding their biases into the curriculum and pedagogy. Fenton and Smith (2019) argued that the rise of identity politics and pressure to conform to certain ideologies can stifle critical thinking and diverse perspectives in social work academia. Such influence risks diluting the profession’s ethical standards and diminishing the quality of critical, independent thought among students.

In light of these multifaceted challenges, social work must engage in continuous reflection about its political role, reaffirm its ethical codes, and create spaces where dissent and critical engagement are not only protected but encouraged. For the profession to remain relevant and accountable, it must confront both external pressures and internal contradictions with integrity and clarity.

Conclusion

In an increasingly unjust and unequal world, social workers cannot afford to remain passive or overly cautious. The profession must embody courage not only in words, but in practice. Social workers must expand their roles beyond individual case management and actively engage in political and policy processes. This demands a shift in how the profession views its responsibilities: from primarily micro-level interventions to broader macro-level actions that influence systemic change. Social work institutions must be willing to challenge traditional boundaries and reorient their focus toward policy engagement, advocacy, and social action.

While social workers in developing countries often face external challenges such as political repression, underfunded welfare systems, and threats from corporate or criminal entities, it is essential to begin with internal reflection. Before holding external forces accountable, the profession must first engage in self-critique. A critical reassessment of current academic curricula is urgently needed. Courses on social policy should go beyond basic theoretical understanding and instead equip students with practical knowledge of the policymaking process, institutional governance, and rights-based advocacy. Fieldwork programs should also be restructured to provide students with opportunities to work in politically active environments, including collaborations with local governments, civil society, and elected representatives.

Furthermore, social workers who challenge injustice are often targeted and silenced by powerful interests—whether governments, corporations, or illegal networks. This reality underscores the need for strong professional solidarity and protection mechanisms. National-level social work associations must play a central role in supporting practitioners who take political stances. Unions and national associations can provide crucial support and advocacy for social workers (Ross, 2016). Rather than fragmented and isolated organizations, countries should establish a unified apex body that provides institutional support, legal protection, and a collective voice for the profession. Such unity can give social workers the strength and courage needed to pursue meaningful, collective social change.

Ultimately, for social work to remain a transformative force, it must reclaim its political essence. This involves not only acting courageously in the face of injustice but also creating institutional and educational structures that empower future practitioners to lead with integrity, critical consciousness, and a deep commitment to social justice.

References

1. Jackson, V. H. (2020). Social Work and Social Justice: Concepts, Challenges, and Strategies. Oxford University Press.
2. Ife, J. (2001). Local and global practice: Relocating social work as a human rights profession in the new global order. European Journal of Social Work, 4(1), 5–15.
3. Healy, L. M. (2017). Situating social work within the post-2015 Global Agenda. European Journal of Social Work, 20(1), 5–16.
4. Morley, C., Ablett, P., & Macfarlane, S. (2019). Engaging with social work. Cambridge University Press.
5. Ostrander, J. A., Lane, S., McClendon, J., Hayes, C., & Smith, T. R. (2017). Collective power to create political change: Increasing the political efficacy and engagement of social workers. Journal of Policy Practice, 16(3), 261–275.
6. Dentato, M. P. (2022). Social Work Education for Macro Practice. Encyclopedia of Social Work.
7. Pritzker, S., & Lane, S. R. (2017). Political social work: History, forms, and opportunities for innovation. Social Work, 62(1), 80–82.
8. Lane, S. R., Ostrander, J., & Smith, T. R. (2018). ‘Politics is social work with power’: Training social workers for elected office. Social Work Education, 37(1), 1–16.
9. Fenton, J. (2020). ‘Four’s a crowd’? Making sense of neoliberalism, ethical stress, moral courage and resilience. Ethics and Social Welfare, 14(1), 6–20.
10. Ross, A. (2014). The social work voice: How could unions strengthen practice? Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 26(4), 4–13.