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Ethical Issues and Diversity in “The Fault in Our Stars” and “Spanglish” Films Case Study

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Introduction

The movie “The Fault in Our Stars,” released in 2014, tells the story of a young girl. Hazel Grace Lancaster, played by Shailene Woodley, is diagnosed with terminal cancer (Boone, 2014). For a social worker, it is essential to critically analyze the ethical issues and issues of diversity presented in this film. Through the lens of social work practice, it is possible to identify and explore these themes.

Ethical Dilemmas and Diversity Issues in The Fault in Our Stars

Decision-Making Dilemma

One of the central moral predicaments presented in the film revolves around the intricate decision-making involved in Hazel’s healthcare. Laura Dern and Sam Trammell emotionally portray Hazel’s parents as they grapple with the sensitive conundrum of selecting the most suitable treatment options for her deteriorating health. As conscientious social workers, our ethical code compels us to prioritize the freedom of choice and self-determination of those we assist (NASW, n.d.). Nevertheless, when faced with circumstances like Hazel’s, where her terminal illness compromises her capacity to make decisions, it becomes imperative to include her family or any available support networks in the decision-making process.

Power of Love

One of the ethical dilemmas explored in the film involves the depiction of Hazel and Augustus Waters’ relationship, skillfully portrayed by Ansel Elgort. The film portrays an enchanting story of love blooming between these two protagonists, even amidst their diseases. While a romantic bond undeniably offers comfort to those tackling health battles, it becomes crucial to recognize the existence of power dynamics within such connections.

Socioeconomic Diversity

Moreover, the film delves into the complexities surrounding socioeconomic diversity. While Hazel’s family is initially depicted as belonging to the middle class, they grapple with recurring financial hardships in meeting her overwhelming medical requirements. This portrayal significantly illuminates the intersection between one’s socioeconomic status and overall well-being. It emphasizes the importance for social workers to have a profound understanding of the social determinants of health, striving relentlessly to dismantle obstacles impeding underprivileged individuals from obtaining essential healthcare services (NASW, n.d.). This will lead to better outcomes and provision of support to those who need it.

Ethical Dilemmas and Diversity Issues in Spanglish

Family Relationships

The movie “Spanglish” is another example of how ethical issues might impact people’s lives and opportunities. The relations between Flor Moreno and her daughter are central in the movie. The family has to struggle to earn a living and afford private school for a child. At the same time, the language barrier is one of the aspects influencing Flor’s ability to communicate with others, find a good job, or feel secure (Brooks, 2004). It is one of the typical situations experienced by thousands of individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Flor has to live with Deborah, who abuses others and works hard to afford her daughter’s private school. The dilemmas are critical for understanding how ethical issues and diversity are interlinked with social work.

Social Worker Challenges

At the same time, the movie can be analyzed from the social worker’s perspective. It reveals that the correct understanding of every case requires analyzing the root causes leading to the emergence of critical problems (Tadic et al., 2020). For Flor and their daughter, the language barrier, social class, and poverty limit their chances of improving their position. The character’s struggles and compromises outline the complex correlation between factors related to social problems and their resolution. “Spanglish” shows how representatives of minorities might be limited in their access to necessary resources. At the same time, for social workers, the knowledge of this characteristic is the central determinant of their success and the ability to help effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “The Fault in Our Stars” and “Spanglish” present a unique opportunity for social workers to explore a multitude of ethical and diversity-related topics. It encourages a deep dive into the complexities of medical decision-making, the challenges of navigating romantic relationships amidst illness, and the difficulties single mothers face in society. Additionally, the films shed light on the hardships experienced by individuals with disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, underscoring the importance of a holistic approach to social work. Through a thoughtful examination of these themes, social workers can bolster their expertise and efficacy in supporting individuals and families coping with terminal illnesses.

References

Boone, J. (2014). The fault in our stars [Film]. Fox 2000 Pictures.

Brooks, J. (2004). Spanglish [Film]. Sony Pictures Releasing.

National Association of Social Workers (NASW). (n.d.). . Web.

Tadic, V., Ashcroft, R., Brown, J. B., & Dahrouge, S. (2020). The role of social workers in interprofessional primary healthcare teams. Healthcare Policy, 16(1), 27–42. Web.

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"Ethical Issues and Diversity in "The Fault in Our Stars" and "Spanglish" Films." IvyPanda, 24 May 2025, ivypanda.com/essays/ethical-issues-and-diversity-in-the-fault-in-our-stars-and-spanglish-films/.

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IvyPanda. (2025) 'Ethical Issues and Diversity in "The Fault in Our Stars" and "Spanglish" Films'. 24 May. (Accessed: 6 July 2025).

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IvyPanda. 2025. "Ethical Issues and Diversity in "The Fault in Our Stars" and "Spanglish" Films." May 24, 2025. https://ivypanda.com/essays/ethical-issues-and-diversity-in-the-fault-in-our-stars-and-spanglish-films/.

1. IvyPanda. "Ethical Issues and Diversity in "The Fault in Our Stars" and "Spanglish" Films." May 24, 2025. https://ivypanda.com/essays/ethical-issues-and-diversity-in-the-fault-in-our-stars-and-spanglish-films/.


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IvyPanda. "Ethical Issues and Diversity in "The Fault in Our Stars" and "Spanglish" Films." May 24, 2025. https://ivypanda.com/essays/ethical-issues-and-diversity-in-the-fault-in-our-stars-and-spanglish-films/.

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