Addressing complex ethical decisions in social work and human services in an unequal world

The approach outlined in this chapter supports social work professionals, educators, and students in resolving complex ethical dilemmas in ways that uphold social justice and help address inequality. Ethical dilemmas exist throughout the human services sector across practice, research, and education contexts. At the same time, organizational, philosophical, sociological, and theological guidance for resolving such dilemmas can conflict with and be difficult for social workers to align with global documents such as the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the Global Social Work Statement of Ethical Principles. In response, we present a decision-making model that engages with social work, philosophical, sociological, and theological resources to support the resolution of complex ethical dilemmas in ways that promote social justice, well-being, and belonging.