The Social Justice Priorities in Social Work

Social justice is a fundamental principle in social work, guiding efforts to challenge inequality and support the most vulnerable populations. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has identified five fundamental social justice priorities that reflect pressing issues impacting communities: voting rights, immigration, economic justice, environmental justice, and criminal and juvenile justice.

These priorities align with the profession’s broader ethical framework and reflect today’s dynamic social challenges. Learning about these five priorities is part of preparing students for success in an online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program.

Students learn to become advocates for social justice and equality, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to their communities. Designed to ensure career readiness, the bachelor’s degree curriculum combines comprehensive online coursework with hands-on field experiences, fostering the development of essential knowledge, core values, and professional competencies necessary for a successful career in social services.

The following provides an overview of the five social justice priorities as identified by NASW.

Voting Rights

NASW advocates for measures that increase voter participation, particularly among marginalized groups who historically face barriers to voting. Issues like voter suppression, gerrymandering, and restrictive voter ID laws disproportionately affect racial minorities, low-income individuals, and people with disabilities. Social workers are critical in promoting voter education and mobilization, ensuring that all citizens can exercise their democratic right to vote.

Immigration

Immigration is another central social justice priority for NASW. The association advocates for humane immigration policies that protect the rights and dignity of all migrants, particularly children and families. In recent years, immigration policy in the United States has become highly polarized, with many immigrant groups facing harsh conditions, including family separation, detention, and limited access to legal representation. Social workers are at the forefront of efforts to support migrants, offering services that address trauma, resettlement challenges, and legal advocacy. The NASW also pushes for comprehensive immigration reform that upholds human rights and recognizes the contributions of immigrants to society​.

Economic Justice

Economic justice is a cornerstone of social work, as financial inequities are at the root of many social problems. NASW advocates for policies that reduce income inequality, ensure fair wages, and expand access to affordable housing, healthcare, and education. Economic justice efforts target the widening wealth gap, which disproportionately affects communities of color and women. Social workers address economic injustice by helping individuals navigate social welfare systems and advocating for systemic reforms that promote economic equity and opportunity. In this sense, social workers act as direct service providers and change agents​.

Environmental Justice

Environmental justice has emerged as a critical area of concern, particularly as climate change and pollution disproportionately affect low-income communities and communities of color. NASW recognizes that environmental degradation and climate-related disasters exacerbate social inequalities, as marginalized communities often bear the brunt of poor air and water quality, lack of green spaces, and environmental hazards.

Social workers contribute to environmental justice by working with affected communities to mitigate the impacts of environmental harm, advocating for sustainable policies, and promoting resilience in the face of climate change. Environmental justice is increasingly recognized as intertwined with other forms of social justice, as ecological degradation often compounds issues like economic inequality and health disparities​.

Criminal Justice and Juvenile Justice Reform

NASW prioritizes criminal justice reform, focusing on reducing mass incarceration, addressing racial disparities, and promoting alternatives to punitive measures. The criminal justice system disproportionately impacts people of color, particularly Black and Indigenous communities, leading to systemic disadvantages that perpetuate cycles of poverty and disenfranchisement. Juvenile justice reform is similarly critical, as youth of color are more likely to be detained and subjected to harsh penalties.

Social workers advocate for reforms that include the abolition of cash bail, the reduction of solitary confinement, and the expansion of restorative justice programs. These efforts aim to create a system that emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment and addresses the root causes of criminal behavior, such as poverty and mental health issues​.

Touro University Worldwide’s Online Degree in Social Work

The online BA in Social Work program from Touro University Worldwide prepares graduates with the skills to succeed in the modern social work field. This includes a strong focus on social justice. The program is one of many Health Services degrees offered by TUW. 

Students delve into human behavior within social contexts, social welfare policies and services, multicultural practices, human diversity, and social and economic justice. The program emphasizes ethical standards in social work, helping students build a strong foundation in these critical areas. Upon graduation, students can apply an evidence-based approach, using research and data to inform their decisions in social work practice.

The five social justice priorities outlined by NASW are interconnected and represent critical areas where social workers can make a profound impact. Through direct services, advocacy, and policy reform, social workers continue to address the systemic inequalities that underlie these challenges, working to create a more just and equitable society. As these priorities evolve alongside new challenges, the profession remains committed to advancing social justice at all levels.