Which principle guides social workers to address issues of equity and social justice in practice?

• A. Beneficence
• B. Autonomy
• C. Social justice principle
• D. Fidelity

Answer: (C)

The social justice principle guides social workers to address equity and social justice in practice. This principle focuses on recognizing and dismantling systems of oppression that create unequal access to resources, rights, and opportunities, and on advocating for policy changes and community empowerment. In practice, it means actively engaging with marginalized groups, promoting fairness, and working to remove barriers to services. Beneficence aims at doing good for clients but does not inherently address structural injustice. Autonomy emphasizes a client’s right to make their own choices, which is essential but not the focal point for pursuing justice at a systemic level. Fidelity centers on trust and keeping promises within the client–worker relationship, rather than on promoting broader equity. Therefore, the social justice principle is the one that most directly guides efforts to achieve equity and social justice in social work.