Searching for virtue ethics: A survey of social work ethics curriculum and educators

This article discusses whether, and to what extent, virtue ethics is covered in the social work ethics curriculum and views of social work ethics educators in Australia. Drawing on a survey of social work ethics curriculum and education, it presents the nature and scope of social work ethics subjects in terms of learning outcomes; overall curriculum content; textbooks used; teaching approaches, challenges and strategies for teaching; and social work ethics educators’ views about teaching virtue ethics. It argues that attention to virtues is largely absent in terms of consciously developing certain qualities and character. The findings, conclusions and implications of the study will be useful to social work researchers, educators and practitioners alike.