ABSTRACT
Values 'Values' are used in descriptions of the principles and guiding rules of social work; e.g. self-determination, acceptance, the non-Judgmental attitude are all described as values of casework or of social work in general. 'Values' refers to the objectives of social work processes (as in individualisation of service), to the objectives of social work (as in 'improved social functioning'), and to rules for meeting both sorts of objective. 'Value' is also used in discussions of social policy: 'Social policy is the battlefront in which clashes between socialist and capitalist social values occur. The major values involved in these ideological clashes have been freedom, individualism and equality' (Wilding and George); or welfare policy is seen as actively
VANDALISM
helping to create standards of value (Marshall), or increased governmental activity in welfare is seen as a result of a change in values, such as a move towards self-realisation (Robertson). Whatever their use, 'values' are seldom analysed in social work or social policy with care. This is partly because 'a man's values are like his kidneys; he rarely knows he has any until they are upset' (Jones). Jones, R.H. (1970) 'Social Values and Social Work Education', in
Social Work Values in an Age of Discontent, ed. K. Kendall, New York, Council on Social Work Education.
