Alternative Title
To what extent does union membership and ethical clinical social work practice align?
Publication Date
2016
Document Type
Masters Thesis
Study Type
Qualitative
Department
School for Social Work
Keywords
Labor union members-Ethics, Social workers-Professional ethics, National Association of Social Workers. Code of ethics, Social service-Moral and ethical aspects, Labor, Labor unions, Union membership, Ethics, Ethical clinical social work practice, NASW Code of ethics, Social justice, Values, Advocacy, Mental health parity laws, Labor strikes
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the question: “to what extent does union membership and ethical clinical social work practice align?” by interviewing Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) working within unionized environments. The study focused on the experience of these clinicians within their current working environment and how being a union member allowed them to be able to provide ethical clinical social work practice to their clients/patients. The most compelling findings from this research were that the clinicians felt that union membership did align with providing ethical clinical social work practice to their populations within their agencies or organizations. There were limitations and concerns when it came to union participation in the form of a strike. Participants had mixed responses regarding the ethical considerations that come about as a result of a strike and how it could potentially impact their clients/patients negatively. Implications for social practice and policy highlight the need for further research in how the values of both labor unions and the field of clinical social work are closely aligned and in turn how can that help clinicians provide the most ethical care possible.
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Douglass, Robyn K., ""You are in a better position to protect people when you feel like you're protected yourself" : to what extent does union membership and ethical clinical social work practice align? : an exploratory study" (2016). Masters Thesis, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/theses/1705
Comments
iii, 81 pages : color illustration. M.S.W., Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Ma., 2016. Includes bibliographical references (pages 68-73)