What obligation do social workers have regarding discrimination in their practice?

Social workers have a fundamental obligation to actively work against oppression and discrimination, which makes the correct answer the one that highlights the importance of fighting against oppression based on various identities. This reflects the core values of social work, including the commitment to social justice, dignity, and the worth of every individual.

The NASW Code of Ethics emphasizes the need for social workers to challenge social injustices and advocate for marginalized populations. This commitment informs their professional conduct, guiding them to confront discrimination and promote equality across multiple dimensions, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and other identity factors. By actively fighting against oppression, social workers fulfill their ethical responsibilities to empower those who are disadvantaged or marginalized in society.

Options that suggest accepting discrimination, ignoring personal biases, or defending discriminatory policies do not align with the ethical standards of the profession. Embracing discrimination undermines the principles of equity and justice that social work seeks to advance. Similarly, ignoring biases could lead to unethical practices that further harm clients, and defending discriminatory policies contradicts the commitment to social justice inherent in the profession. In contrast, actively challenging oppression reflects a proactive and ethical approach to social work practice.