Final answer:
The principles of social work revolve around Distributive Justice, where Utilitarianism and the 'Veil of Ignorance' are influential concepts that shape welfare-based principles. These principles seek to balance individual and communal welfare, advocating for social justice, dignity, and equitable distribution of resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
Principles of Social Work
The principles of social work are deeply connected to the concept of Distributive Justice, which explores how goods and services should be distributed in a society. Distribution questions range from the individual to communal welfare and are often framed in terms of political and social ideologies such as liberalism and conservatism. The core of these principles lies in addressing the equality of welfare among individuals within societies, which may be influenced by various welfare-based principles. One prominent school of thought in welfare-based principles is Utilitarianism, which asserts that the welfare of the majority should take precedence in the distribution of goods and services.
Within these frameworks, values such as social justice, communitarianism, and subsidiarity play a critical role in shaping the foundations of social policies. Advocates like Martha Nussbaum argue for a collective obligation to ensure human dignity through essential needs and cooperative coexistence. Alternatives to utilitarianism, like equality of well-being, suggest a distribution that equilibrates well-being among all members of society, regardless of other status markers.
The 'Veil of Ignorance' from the Principles of Justice is a methodological approach that suggests decision-makers should design societal structures as if they did not know their own position within it, promoting impartiality in social policy design. While the idea of social work is varied, the overarching goal remains consistent: to create a fair and equitable society that provides for the welfare and dignity of all its members.