Class Theoretical and Ethical Issues in Social Work

This course unit aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the theoretical, ethical, and deontological issues of Social Work as both an academic discipline and a professional practice. In the first part, theoretical foundations are explored, focusing on the nature, objectives, and values of Social Work, the processes of knowledge construction, as well as the main paradigmatic theoretical frameworks and the theories that support professional practice. The second part addresses ethical issues, through the study of major ethical theories and a reflection on the role of ethics in social work intervention. Finally, the course examines the deontological dimensions of the profession, with particular emphasis on ethical codes, moral dilemmas, contemporary challenges, and decision-making processes, which are essential for a critical, responsible, and rights-based professional practice committed to social justice.

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Part I – Theoretical Issues in SW Nature, objectives, and values of SW The construction of knowledge in SW   2.1. Debates on the relationship between theory and professional practice: from scientific knowledge to “indigenous” knowledge   2.2. Towards an integrated theory of Social Work: from eclecticism to theoretical integration   2.3. Paradigmatic frameworks and key theoretical contributions in Social Work Part II – Ethical and Deontological Issues in SW Ethics, morality, and deontology: distinctions and interrelations   1.1. Major schools of ethical thought Ethics and professional practice in Social Work   2.1. National and international ethical frameworks   2.2. From ethics to deontology: codes of ethics, guiding documents, and professional principles Contemporary trends and ethical challenges in Social Work   3.1. Ethical dilemmas, challenges, and decision-making processes   3.2. Ethical reflexivity and professional commitment in contemporary societies

The course unit adopts teaching methodologies that combine theoretical exposition with active, student-centred strategies, promoting critical, participatory, and context-based learning. Lectures present the main content and theoretical frameworks, providing the conceptual foundations for analysis and reflection. In parallel, students develop individual assignments that are presented and discussed in class. This process encourages the collective construction of knowledge, critical thinking, and argumentation skills. The exchange of perspectives among peers and the critical discussion of practice strengthen students' autonomy and active engagement, ensuring the connection between theory and practice and fostering the development of key competences essential to professional practice in Social Work.

Adams, Dominelli & Payne (eds)(2005). Social work futures. Crossing boundaries, transforming practice. Palgrave Macmillan Amaro (2008). Os campos paradigmáticos do Serviço Social: proposta para uma categorização das teorias em presença. In Locus Social 1, 65-80 Banks & Nohr(coord) (2008) Ética Prática para as Profissões do Trabalho Social. Porto Ed Barsky (2010). Ethics and Values in Social Work. Univ. Press Dominelli (2004). Social Work:theory and practice for a changing profession. Polity Press Gray & Webb (ed)(2013) Social Work. Theories and methods. 2nd ed. Sarah Gibson Mouro (2009). Modernização do Serviço Social. Almedina Payne &Reith-Hall (ed)(2019). The Routledge Handbook of Social Work Theory. Routledge Reamer (2006). Social Work Values and Ethics. Columbia Un Press Webb(2006). Social Work in a Risk Society: Social and political perspectives. Palgrave Macmillan Thompson& Stepney(ed)(2018). Social Work Theory and methods. The essentials. Routledge