What is the mission of social work?

• A. Enhance human well-being and help people meet basic needs
• B. Promote industrial development and market efficiency
• C. Provide primary medical care to all clients
• D. Enforce social norms through punitive measures

Answer: (A)

The main aim is to enhance human well-being and help people meet basic needs, recognizing the dignity and worth of every person and working to remove barriers to a better life. This mission is reflected in social work ethics that prioritize service, support for vulnerable individuals and families, and a commitment to social justice and human rights. Social workers focus on empowering clients, connecting them with resources, and strengthening communities so people can thrive.

Other options miss the core focus. Promoting industrial development and market efficiency is about broad economic policy, not the direct support and advocacy for individuals and families that social work centers on. Providing primary medical care to all clients describes a healthcare role rather than the social work mission, though workers may coordinate care and support wellness. Enforcing social norms through punitive measures runs counter to social work values, which emphasize empowerment, nonjudgment, and helping people improve their circumstances rather than punishment.