Whose Code? A Critical Look at the NASW Code of Ethics
In graduate schools across the U.S., the NASW Code of Ethics is hailed as the go-to guide for how social workers should conduct themselves and engage with clients, colleagues, and the profession as a whole.
But whose Code is it, really?
An article in the Journal of Progressive Human Services titled “Social Work Values and the NASW Code of Ethics” offers a pointed examination of the Code — and how it actually functions in U.S. social work today.
The Code May Be More About Managing Risk Than Advancing Vision
At its core, the Code lays out values and standards meant to guide our day-to-day decisions and professional judgment. But as the article argues, it also — and perhaps primarily — functions as a risk-management framework designed to minimize exposure to liability, board complaints, and legal scrutiny.
That orientation isn’t inherently bad. We do practice in a litigious society.
But when ethical guidance over-indexes on risk avoidance, it can begin to conflict with the very social justice values so many of us hold dear.
Most Social Workers Aren’t NASW Members — So Who Is the Code For?
The article notes that only about 14% of people who identify as social workers belong to NASW. And yet, the NASW Code of Ethics is widely treated as the profession’s definitive ethical authority.
Whenever a “standard” is disconnected from the majority of those it governs, tensions emerge:
When dominant perspectives shape ethical language, whose voices are centered — and whose are marginalized?
Does a centrally authored Code reflect the lived realities of justice-oriented practice on the ground?
These aren’t abstract questions. They shape how we practice every day.
Not Law — But Often Used Like It Is
The Code is not legally binding. Most state licensing boards have not formally adopted it, and the most direct consequence of violating it is removal from NASW membership (for those who belong).
And yet, it routinely appears in:
Peer review hearings
Legal cases
Licensure complaints
Employment disciplinary actions
This dual status — not law, but often used like law — means ethical practice and risk mitigation are tightly intertwined. It also underscores why a deeper understanding of how the Code functions matters for every social worker.
Social Cohesion or Social Control?
One of the more provocative threads in the article is the tension between the interests of broader society and social justice. A Code that encourages social workers to mediate between a client’s/community’s interests and the interests of broader society is at great risk of reinforcing white supremecist, paternalistic norms and further marginalizing dissenting voices.
The Code strives to unite social workers under an umbrella of loosely defined values and standards, but unity isn’t always emancipatory — especially if it smooths over power differences or maintains status quo practices.
Change Feels Distant — But We Deserve Better
Revising a few phrases won’t solve this. Meaningful change requires rethinking the Code’s foundation — who shapes it, whose interests it protects, and what ethical practice truly means in 2026 and beyond.
Institutional inertia and power imbalances make change feel inaccessible. It’s easy to disengage (I'm guilty, too).
But we deserve an ethical framework that truly reflects our values — not just our potential liabilities.
If you’re moved to take action, consider:
Participating in Delegate Assembly elections
Proposing amendments for consideration at the November 2026 Delegate Assembly
An Affordable Ethics CEU
If this conversation sparks your curiosity, I’m offering a 1-hour Ethics CEU for $1 to the first 25 social workers.
Here’s how it works:
Read the article.
Complete a brief exam.
Fill out a 3-question feedback survey.
You’ll receive your CEU certificate upon successful completion. After the first 25 participants (and their feedback), the offering will be re-released at $5.
If you don’t need the CEU but want to engage with the material, you can also download a free study guide here.
