ETHICAL VALUES OF SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION AND GANDHISM
Journal Title: International Journal of Research in Social Sciences - Year 2012, Vol 2, Issue 2
Abstract
The ethical values of social work profession have long been given scant attention ethical foundation and ethical research is as important knowledge and theory in social work practice Ethical Theory building will strengthen the moral fibre of the profession and it will contribute to the current knowledge relating to social work practice. There is need for greater attention to value and ethics in the present context of technological and scientific advancements and the consequent decadence and degradation of the values of life. Gandhian values and the values of social work profession have much in common and these are similarities in Gandhian thought and professional ethics in social work practice. Gandhian ethical system is inimical to western materialistic values and utilitarianism. He emphasizes social justice and well-being of all(Sarvodaya), giving priority to the disadvantaged sections and the poorest of the poor(Antyodaya). Gandhi meant by Sarvodaya, the raise or awakening of all. Gandhi is more relevant today than even before. The ethical values which he cherished are universal in the sense that they are in conformity with the universal norms and particularly more relevant to the values and ethics of social work practice. Some people believe that he is two hundred years ahead of his time. No doubt he has launched his movement for thereconstruction of the society and for bettering human conditions far ahead of times and sowed the seeds of his thought for human betterment for the modern world which is facing challenges to human survival. We have to choose between Atom and Ahimsa, between non-violence and nonexistence between Sarvodaya and Sarvanasha(total annihilation). In view of the fact that humanity is facing serious threat to its key existence, there is growing awareness all over the world that Gandhi‟s work and teachings and his ideas have greater relevance. To quote Dr.Nelson Mandela, “Gandhi holds the key to human progress”. Gandhi made significant contribution to the world by his revolutionary ideas and concepts such as satyagraha(truthful force), Sarvodaya(welfare of all), Shantisena(peace brigade). He has also developed other key concepts such as trust, non-violence(Ahimsa), ends and means, non-possession, trusteeship, vows, lifestyle, constructive work, basic education, sweedeshi and gram swaraj. All these ideas and concepts have been gaining currency with the passage of time. Vinoba believed that sarvodaya is based on the three fold programmes would revolutionize the life of man and build a new world in which there is equality, nondiscrimination, non-exploitation, poverty alleviation and ultimately leading to non-violence and peaceful co-existence. The constructive programmes developed by Gandhi resulted in enlightened activities and reforms. Following Mahatma Gandhi, Vinobha under his stewardship launched Bhoodan (land gift), Grandan(village gift) in 1951. The movement assumed new dimension under the leadership of Jayaprakash Narayan with his declaration of Jeevandan(life gift) which means dedication of one‟s whole life and energy to the cause of the movement .
Authors and Affiliations
Prof. M. Lakshmipathi Raju and Dr. B. S. N. Raju
Keywords
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