Hypothesis
In these modern days, acquired knowledge for professional purposes has replaced the core values and mission of social work in industrialized countries. The belief that the society has a moral obligation to cater for social needs of poor people has reduced considerably.
Goal
To establish the reasons behind shifting priorities from social objectives to professional social work
Recommendations
As a result of professionalizing social work, there should be a will to improve conditions of poor people in the society. The need to eradicate extreme poverty should not be individualized or regarded as philanthropic. Instead, it should be regarded as a need to undertake social reforms. The reforms must involve people in all classes of society.
There is need for social workers to spend more time in analyzing moral ambiguities. Social benefits should be evenly distributed in the society while skills and knowledge are improved through scientific means. In her article, Bisman says “if we wish to improve the conditions of the poor we must adopt scientific measures” (Bisman, 2004, p. 113). This will solve some of the social problems.
Clear objectives ought to be developed to guide professionals of social sciences in maintaining basic moral values. It can be done by both individual and collective moral responsibilities and basic values. Other professionals in law and philosophy should be involved in building moral base.
Consequences
Consequences may include men and women losing their human dignity. Professionalizing social work increases the need for expertise and applied formal knowledge for social interests. It may also lead to loss of moral values through development of skills and knowledge without considering the resulting moral degradation.
“Those who are financially able may buy their way out of collective responsibility, paying less into the pool of public funds yet benefiting more from public services” (Bisman, 2004, p. 117). This may lead to social unrest.