Final answer:
Prejudice is not a core value of social work; rather, it is diametrically opposed to the profession's commitment to social justice, equality, and integrity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mission of the social work profession is rooted in various core values that guide social workers in their practice. Among those values, prejudice is not a core value of social work; instead, social workers strive to eliminate prejudice and promote equality and social justice.
Core values often include the dignity and worth of the person, social justice, and integrity, reflecting the profession's commitment to respecting individuals, advocating for fair and equitable treatment, and adhering to ethical standards. The values of social justice are particularly aligned with the philosophy of collective obligation and communitarianism, emphasizing the importance of social solidarity, economic inclusion, and respect for human rights.
Social justice entails the equitable distribution of opportunities, resources, and rights within a community, and it is a response against ideologies that promote individualism over the collective well-being. In contrast, prejudice, which involves preconceived judgments or discrimination, goes against social work's core values by fostering inequality and marginalization.
Cultural and global perspectives, including African scholars and Islamic principles, also recognize social justice's importance in ensuring collective well-being and align with the social work profession's values to challenge Western individualism, instead focusing on altruism and community well-being.