ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the context for social work research that overarches all of the vagaries noted is the professions Code of Ethics, developed by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) in conjunction with a set of expected 'competencies' for professional social work developed by the Council on Social Work Education. The context for social work research is a search for social justice, be it at the micro level, meso level or macro level. The point is that the kinds of social problems that get attention from society at large shift over time, shifting as well the interest in funding related research and, in turn, shifting the context within which research is carried out as well. The interest of high-visibility social 'movers and shakers' makes a difference shifts the context. The focus of special-interest group's makes a difference shifts the context. Institutional focus makes a difference shifting the context even within a single institution.
