Ethics and Theory Paper

Students will select a topic on which the NASW has issued a Social Justice Issue Brief
(​https://www.socialworkers.org/Advocacy/Social-Justice/Social-Justice-Issue-Briefs)​.

This assignment challenges students to explore an issue from multiple viewpoints, with an emphasis on ethical implications and theories that underpin the decisions people make about them.

This paper provides students with the opportunity to develop their writing and analysis skills. Paper requirements:

1. Include an introduction that clearly prepares the reader for what is to come in the paper.

2. Select a Social Justice Issue Brief topic from the NASW. Provide an introduction which prepares the reader for the topic areas that will be explored in the paper.

3. Briefly describe the issue and specify why the issue is potentially controversial.

4. Clearly describe the social work profession’s position on the issue, informed by the NASW ​ ​Code of ethics ​ . Discuss the implicit and explicit social and economic justice components presented in the issue brief.

5. Clearly describe your personal position on the issue and your rationale for holding this position.

6. Describe the values and beliefs held by those who have other positions on the issue (there may be more than one depending on the issue). Evidence is often used or interpreted differently by those who have different positions on the same issue. Present the evidence from the perspective of each of these positions. Discuss the ways these beliefs facilitate or limit social and economic justice outcomes.

7. Discuss the similarities, differences, and intersections among these positions and the NASW’s position.

8. When stepping back and looking at all of the positions presented, how successful has each been in influencing public opinion on this issue?

9. As a social worker, how will you handle when your personal position on an issue is not aligned with the NASW’s position? How will you handle when a client’s position is not aligned with your own?

10.Include a conclusion that wraps up the paper and highlights the key learning experiences from writing the paper.

Papers should be 6-8 pages in length and contain at least 8 sources.

Remember to include primary sources that can speak to each position’s perspective. These sources may be found in the media. When discussing social and economic justice issues, sources should be taken from the readings or from professional journal articles.

Specifications: ● 6-8 pages (not including title and references pages) ● Please include 8 references ​(no more than five years old). ● 12-point, Times New Roman font ● Double-spaced with one inch margins on all sides ● ​APA compliance: title page (name, title, course, date), running header, page numbers, proper citations, reference page

Since it’s a student paper it doesn’t require an abstract by the way despite APA

Expert Answer:

Topic: Police Brutality and Racial Injustice

Introduction: Police brutality and racial injustice continue to be prevalent and controversial issues in the United States. The Black Lives Matter movement has brought attention to the ways in which law enforcement disproportionately harms and discriminates against Black individuals. This issue brief will explore the social work profession’s position on police brutality and racial injustice, as well as personal positions and the perspectives of those with opposing views. The evidence and values behind these positions will be examined in relation to their impact on social and economic justice.

Brief Description of the Issue: Police brutality refers to the use of excessive or unnecessary force by law enforcement officers, often resulting in injury or death. Racial injustice refers to the systemic discrimination and oppression faced by individuals of color, particularly Black individuals, in various institutions including law enforcement. These issues intersect and contribute to the ongoing problem of racial inequality in the United States.

Why the Issue is Controversial: Police brutality and racial injustice are potentially controversial because they involve the actions and behaviors of individuals in positions of power and authority. There may be disagreement on the extent to which these issues exist and the appropriate responses to address them. There may also be disagreement on the role of law enforcement in society and the ways in which it should be reformed.

The Social Work Profession’s Position: The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics includes a commitment to social and economic justice and human rights. In regard to police brutality and racial injustice, the NASW calls for the promotion of fair and just treatment of all individuals, regardless of race. This includes advocating for the reform of law enforcement practices and policies to ensure the protection of civil rights and the reduction of harm to marginalized communities. The NASW also promotes the importance of cultural competency and the need for social workers to actively challenge systems of oppression and discrimination.