Which of the following best describes the role of social workers in advocating for social justice?

The role of social workers in advocating for social justice is best described by addressing and fighting against structural inequalities. This understanding stems from the core values and ethics of social work, which emphasize the importance of social justice as a fundamental principle. Social workers are trained to recognize and respond to the systemic barriers that contribute to social injustice, which include discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and disability.

By focusing on structural inequalities, social workers aim to create changes at the macro level, influencing policies and systems that perpetuate inequality. This can involve advocating for policy reforms, community organizing, and engaging in collective action to challenge oppressive structures that affect groups of individuals.

Other options, such as promoting only the interests of their agencies or focusing solely on one client, narrow the scope of social work practice, which is inherently concerned with the broader context of societal issues. Limiting advocacy efforts to personal beliefs undermines the professional commitment to social justice and the diverse perspectives of the communities they serve. Social work, at its core, is about empowering individuals and communities and working toward creating a just and equitable society for all.