One of the core, ethical principles of social work is that all people have the right to be treated with respect and dignity. We must ensure that each individuals’ human rights are upheld. Because each person has a right to be treated as a whole person, this requires us the professional to not only be concerned about the individual, but also their family, community, and environment. Social workers help address problems of people who are disadvantaged and poor. They help them gain access to resources and support that enhances their well-being and helps them to be self-sufficient. Social workers must come together to change the social conditions that contribute to economic inequalities by challenging unjust policies and practices at every level. This includes making sure that those in need receive resources first, and that resources offered are distributed fairly.
Social workers are concerned with well-being of individuals who are the most helpless in society. They work with women and children, the elderly and disabled individuals who are more likely to live in poverty. Not having access to resources, transportation, education, employment, and child care can make it difficult for them to fully participate in their communities. Being able to work and provide for our needs and those of our families is essential to our well-being. Individuals susceptible to living in poverty should not be deprived of their basic necessities that can sustain their lives.
Before we can address changes for those living in poverty, first, we need to look at clearly what is causing poverty. There are many factors to why people are living in poverty: lack of income, lack of resources that ensure sustainable lives, limited or lack of access to education and services, a lack of participation in decision-making and loss of livelihood as a result of economic recession or disaster.
There needs to be a combination of resources, support, empowerment, education and employment opportunities for individuals living in poverty to enhance their well-being and improve their lives. For instance, we must ensure that there is universal access to economic opportunities that promote sustainable lives and social services, as well as being able to facilitate access to opportunities and services for the disadvantaged. People living in poverty an vulnerable groups must be empowered to through participation in all aspect of their lives. We need to expand opportunities to enable people living in poverty to enhance their overall capacities and improve their economic and social conditions. Therefore, as social workers we need to change social conditions in order to ensure access for all individuals to resources, opportunities, and public services. People living in poverty should also be empowered by strengthening education at all levels and ensuring access to education of these people. Having an education for people living in poverty can aid in their opportunity to develop skills and knowledge that they need to better their conditions and improve their lives. Other areas that can aid and improve the lives of people living in poverty are ensuring that there is equal access to social services, especially education. For example, equal access to social services programs that enable vulnerable people and those living in poverty to improve their lives and by them fully participating in their lives.