ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the overview of the values and ethics that guide the feminist relational approach to practice incorporates many of the core principles. Feminist values of interdependence and interconnectedness, relational commitment, and a sense of morality that encompasses mutual compassion and care correspond to the traditional social work value that each individual has inherent dignity, sharing common needs with others. The mutuality model, in contrast to the power-over model, aims to enhance the individual's self-respect and supports the worth and dignity of each human being by helping them to become aware of the power imbalances that exist and the ways in which they can address them. To accomplish this objective, the feminist relational school emphasizes the practitioner's role in fostering mutuality and maximizing client participation in the change process. A feminist or relational ethic of care, based on a care-based perspective, contributes to the value, theory, and practice base of social work.
