Book Review: Ethics and Values in Social Work: An Integrated Approach for a Comprehensive Curriculum - Second Edition

Ethics and Values in Social Work: An Integrated Approach for a Comprehensive Curriculum (Second Edition), by Allan Edward Barsky, Oxford University Press, ISBN 9780190678111, New York, NY, 2019, 576 pages, $65.00.

    My bookshelf is filled with books about social work ethics, but I am exceptionally pleased to add Allan Barsky’s volume on ethics and values to its well-deserved prominent position. Barsky is a social work gem—that rare combination of social worker and attorney who thinks and teaches us about ethics in a balanced  and thoughtful way, who is at once mindful of the complexities of social work situations and aware of the shifting societal and legal implications of the choices we make. Under his leadership, our Code of Ethics has been updated to integrate guidance for social workers using the rapidly changing technology of today.

    As an educator, I am pleased that this volume is filled to the brim with case examples designed to help students and colleagues think about our choices critically. I have often struggled to teach learners how to wrangle with messy ethical decisions that don’t lend themselves to absolute answers. The discussion questions and exercises throughout are designed to lead learners through the process of decision-making and encourages the kind of thinking that grows great social workers. This text offers opportunities for educators to integrate pieces of this work into assorted courses, but it could serve as a stand-alone volume for a course (or two) entirely focused on ethics and values.

    As a practitioner, I was thoroughly engaged in the case examples and exercises offered throughout this work. Difficult ideas are explained with clarity, and despite many years of practice experience, I learned something new or thought about something in a new way on practically every page. I often get calls from local colleagues about ethical dilemmas, and I have supported social workers as they weigh their decisions. I plan to use this book as a frequent resource.

    This book is not an “easy read,” but it is necessary reading. It is not filled with pictures or charts, but Barsky paints with his words, for those willing to appreciate the artful way he approaches ethics. I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Susan Mankita, MSW, LCSW, Adjunct Instructor, Florida International University School of Social Work, Owner/President of Sweet Grindstone.