Ethical Dilemmas of Social Work During Pandemic

Abstract

This article draws on findings of an international study carried out by the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) on social workers’ ethical challenges during COVID-19, based on 607 responses to a qualitative survey. These special, hitherto unknown new challenges include maintaining trust, privacy, dignity and service user autonomy in remote relationships; allocating limited resources; balancing rights and needs of different parties; deciding whether to break or bend policies in the interests of service users; as well as handling emotions and ensuring care of self and colleagues. The article considers regional contrasts, the ‘ethical logistics’ of complex decision-making, the impact of societal inequities, and lessons for social workers and professional practice around the globe. The research highlights the often invisible work of social workers and the difficulties that arise from it.