ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the human needs and rights (HNR) perspective as the ethical perspective in social work. It describes the classification of human needs, followed by the classification of human rights. A description will be given of what needs and rights mean a justification will be given of what these classifications are based on, and what historical evidence there is in social work. Human needs are regarded as the motivating force behind human behaviour. In order to meet these needs, the universal human rights provide support. HNR have a long tradition in the theory formation of social work. Increasing pressure of everyday practice for demonstrating effects of social work, in particular to show that social workers are consistently in line with the needs of their clients, necessitates using the needs concept as the central concept. Adequate cooperation between areas of the brain can help in adequately meeting the support needs.
