Abstract:

Based on human morality and dignity, the concept of ethics is at the core of social work discipline and profession. There are mainly two approaches in the realm of social work ethics, namely universalism and cultural relativism. Taking into account social environment and cultural characteristics, these fundamental approaches are very influential in the implementation of social work practices. Regarding social work ethics, there are many factors that determine which approach will be effective in different cases. The main statement of this study was that neither of these approaches was superior to the other and the crucial factor was to understand them correctly. Analyzing universalism and cultural relativism in social work ethics, this study firstly discussed the concept of ethics, and then the concept was examined from the perspective of social work science and profession. After that, universalism and cultural relativism, their characteristics, the differences between them and their importance for ethics and social work ethics were discussed deeply by given references to specific examples. And finally, the study was terminated with suggestions related to the understanding these approaches from the perspective of human rights, moral and dignity.

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