What defines discrimination in the context of social work?

Discrimination in the context of social work refers to unfair or unequal treatment of individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, gender, sexuality, disability, or other identities. Condoning unequal treatment based on personal prejudices is a definition that captures how discrimination can manifest in practice.

In social work, ethical standards require practitioners to not only acknowledge their own biases but also actively work against them to ensure that all clients receive equitable treatment. Accepting or supporting unequal treatment perpetuates systemic inequalities and is fundamentally opposed to the values of social work, which emphasize social justice, respect for diversity, and the inherent worth of every individual.

Supporting diversity promotes an inclusive environment, while practicing based on personal beliefs may lead to biased treatment but does not directly define discrimination. Facilitating any form of discrimination is a broader action that might include a range of unethical behaviors, but it lacks the specificity of condoning unequal treatment rooted in personal prejudices. Therefore, recognizing and rejecting any form of discriminatory behavior aligns most closely with the ethical standards expected in the field of social work.