Social Work and Human Rights

As a social concept, our notions of human rights are tied to the kind of society we want (the good society) and the way people within that society would live (the good life). As a philosophical and moral concept, human rights are about what it means to be human and the requisite requirements to live a life worthy of a human being. These same ideals distinguish social work as a helping profession that is rounded in a vision of a just society and the values associated with that society. Human rights imply a belief in something common to all people that by virtue of one’s humanity, certain entitlements and claims may be identified. For social workers, this egalitarian ideal and moral warrant can be powerful forces for social change. This book is an overview of human rights ideas and laws for social workers that stresses the importance of human rights in all types of social work policy and practice.