Class Ethics and Deontology in Social Work

This course unit is part of the core curriculum in Social Work, serving as a pillar of professional identity and reflective practice for future social workers. Its scope focuses on the critical analysis of the ethical foundations of intervention, fostering an understanding of the relationships between ethics, morality, and deontology, as well as the study of national and international normative instruments that frame the profession. Its area of application covers institutional, community, and research contexts, where ethical dilemmas and challenges arise that require informed decision-making and social responsibility. The domains of intervention include reflection on principles and values, analysis of professional conduct, the defense of human rights, and the promotion of social justice. The unit is relevant within the study cycle as it prepares professionals aware of the ethical-political role of Social Work, able to integrate dignity, autonomy, and justice in complex contexts.

Not applicable

1. Introduction to ethics 1.1. Concept of ethics 1.2. Relationship between ethics and morality 1.3. Ethical thinking chains 2. Professional ethics 2.1. Applied and professional ethics 2.2. Ethics and social trust in the professions 2.3. Ethics in social work 2.3.1. Causes and consequences of professional misconduct 2.3.2. Ethical principles 2.4. Professional dilemmas and ethical decision-making                     2.4.1. Ethical dilemmas                     2.4.2. Models supporting ethical decision-making 3. Deontology in Social Work 3.1. Concept of deontology 3.2. International instruments 3.3. National instruments                      3.3.1. Portuguese Code of Ethics                      3.3.2. Duties and obligations of conduct 4. Contemporary ethical challenges 4.1.Technology and digital ethics 4.2.Environmental ethics and climate justice 4.3.Animal ethics and non-human rights 4.4.Organizational ethics and institutional responsibility 4.5.Ethics in scientific research 4.6.Wars, migration and human rights

The teaching methodology combines theoretical lectures, analysis of normative texts, and group discussions, complemented by case study resolution and debates based on texts and videos selected by the lecturer. Active learning strategies are emphasized, fostering student participation, critical reflection, and the connection between program contents and professional practice. Assessment is continuous and includes the following components: Test 1 (individual) – 30% Test 2 (individual) – 30% Group work with oral presentation and discussion in class – 30% Class participation and short reflections – 10%   The final average of all assessment components must be equal to or greater than 9.5/20 in order to pass. The resit examination will consist of a written test (100%), with a minimum passing grade of 9.5/20.

APSS (2018). Código deontológico dos assistentes sociais em Portugal. APSS. Banks, S. (2020). Ethics and Values in Social Work (5th ed.). Red Globe Press. Carvalho, M. I. (2016). Ética aplicada ao serviço social. Pactor. Congress, E. (2000). What social workers should know about ethics: Understanding and resolving practice dilemmas. Advances in Social Work, 1(1), 1-25. Dolgoff, R., Loewenberg, F. M., & Harrington, D. (2012). Ethical decisions for social work practice (9th ed.). Brooks/Cole. Lei n.º 121/2019, de 25 de Setembro – Ordem dos Assistentes Sociais e Respetivo Estatuto Reamer, F. (2014). The evolution of social work ethics: Bearing witness. Advances in Social Work, 15(1), 163-181.