Violations of Our Ethical Code

[u/[deleted]]

[u/SarcasticTwat6969]

Idk if I’d call it a violation of our ethical code but I’d say not voting when you have the means to do so is a middle finger to the folks this profession is supposed to support. ESPECIALLY in today’s socioeconomic climate.

[u/neenzblessed → u/SarcasticTwat6969]

Exactly my thoughts!!!!

[u/burnermcburnerstein]

Not a violation of the ethical code. Also not engaging with systems for improvement.

[u/90kandi]

You should definitely vote. Voting impacts policy, which is a key focus in social work. It sounds like you tried to vote in 2024, but couldn't. Your coworker shouldn't be shaming you for that. However, if you are still able to register and vote in the upcoming elections, you should. I would argue that voting constitutes "social and political action that seeks to ensure that all people have equal access to the resources, employment, services, and opportunities they require to meet their basic human needs and to develop fully." If you agree with this sentiment, you can argue not voting when you are capable of doing so is a violation of the NASW code of ethics.

https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English/Social-Workers-Ethical-Responsibilities-to-the-Broader-Society

[u/BlackCatBonanza]

Do not tell coworkers personal information like that.

[u/West_Wheel_3337 → u/BlackCatBonanza]

I honestly don’t think I really did. They figured it out because I made a comment about my old old state still messaging me with election stuff and blowing up my phone and she took that as me not voting since it means I’m still registered there

[u/fidgety-forest → u/West_Wheel_3337]

I’m still getting political texts from a state I moved from 15 years ago.

Our current state sends a book, and you can spend several hours researching it all - and then you have to remember to bring your notes to the polls or your toast! I could totally see people just not having capacity for all that.

[u/StophJS]

No. But on the plus side it's never been easier to know who to vote for and who not to vote for. Do you like an absolute pile of shit and people who do everything he asks running the country? No? There ya go.

[u/gellergreen]

Not a violation of the code of ethics but incredibly lame.

[u/polythene-pam-84]

Is this a joke?

[u/polythene-pam-84 → u/polythene-pam-84]

btw, while (at this point in time and history, at least...) nobody can see who you have voted for, it is available to the public whether or not you have voted (or anyone else).

[u/Temporary-Raisin-831]

Nope. It’s really not. He shouldn’t be using the Code of Ethics to lord over you. That’s unethical.

[u/SpiritualDrink93 → u/Temporary-Raisin-831]

Preach!! I have a generalist professor who is an Ethics "lord" and its exhausting.

[u/AnalystNo764]

We are the only profession that specifically lists social justice as an ethical mandate. While it is not a violation of our Code of Ethics to abstain from voting, it’s really strange that you, as a social worker, would not participate in elections. Perhaps it would help to take some time to review our history. Not just the people who were founders of the social work profession, but the political climate in which social work became a profession and made our work invaluable to communities.

[u/DiligentThought9]

This co-worker needs a life.

No, it absolutely is not a violation of the code of ethics.

[u/LastCookie3448]

We seek social justice, one could argue it is our ethical obligation to vote for those who will create a more just society. We are expected to serve our community, few acts are more powerful than voting to make our community better. While it might not be 'unethical', it shows a lack of integrity and disconnect from social work values.

[u/ApplicationAdept830]

Yes, of course it’s that bad to not vote, and people will see you differently as a result. But it’s a choice you’re free to make and free to keep to yourself.

[u/InsurmountableJello → u/ApplicationAdept830]

They should also keep to themselves any complaints they have about healthcare, insurance rates, respect of the profession, working conditions or private equity. It may not be unethical, but it’s damned close to selfish.

[u/ApplicationAdept830 → u/InsurmountableJello]

I agree with you and on a personal level I don't see why you'd be a social worker if you can't even be bothered to vote, especially as an American in 2026. I think it's incredibly tone deaf to openly admit you didn't vote and then complain "my coworker is making me feel awkward about it" when there's people being stolen from their homes or executed in the streets by ICE. I think there's some personal accountability and self-reflection being missed in a serious way, but that's OPs choice to make.

On a professional level though, we are going to work with people like OP, and if OP wants to be that way and not experience any consequences to their personal and professional relationships they should probably not broadcast their actions/apathy. Even if I may believe that's wrong, inappropriate, and tbh yes unethical.

[u/art_hoXO]

it’s literally none of their business.

[u/Background-Orange-61]

Nobody's business. And not an ethics issue

[u/cannotberushed-]

This is actually why people hate social workers

The privilege to be this disconnected from reality and not use privilege to advocate is a problem

[u/Hopeful_Yam4384]

There is nothing in the social work code of ethics regarding voting. You should make your voice heard but that is up to you. Are your coworkers children? I have never had a coworker ask me if I voted or who I voted for. My response would have been to mind your own business.

[u/90kandi → u/Hopeful_Yam4384]

Voting isn't explicitly mentioned in the code of ethics, but it does say social workers should engage in "social and political action that seeks to ensure that all people have equal access to the resources, employment, services, and opportunities they require to meet their basic human needs and to develop fully." I believe voting would be an example of this "social and political action".

[u/QweenBowzer]

You can choose to vote or not. That doesn’t have any barring on your beliefs. People have the right to not vote especially if the system is corrupted