What is the purpose of social work?

• A. Advancement of social and political power for practitioners
• B. Pursuit of social and economic justice
• C. Strict adherence to clinical diagnosis only
• D. Maximizing organizational efficiency

Answer: (B)

Pursuing social and economic justice sits at the center of social work. This means working to remove barriers and create conditions that enable all people—especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized—to access basic rights, resources, and opportunities. Social workers help individuals, but they also advocate for policies, empower communities, and challenge systems that produce inequities. The profession is guided by values like service, dignity and worth of the person, the importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence, all aimed at advancing equity rather than just addressing symptoms. While assisting individuals is important, focusing only on clinical diagnosis misses the broader goal of tackling social determinants, and prioritizing organizational efficiency addresses internal goals rather than client empowerment.