Discussion 1
Discussion: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression
Think about the moment in which you became aware of your sexual orientation. Do you recall making a conscious choice to be gay or straight? Some believe that gender identity and sexual expression is a choice, or more likely, that "people choose to be gay."
The counter to that belief is that one does not "choose" his or her sexual orientation; it simply is. This week you consider how people's reactions to someone's gender identity or sexual orientation impacts his or her environment and experience.
When adolescents question their sexual orientation or gender identity, they encounter various reactions from individuals in their environment. For this Discussion, consider how people's reactions to someone's gender identity or sexual orientation may impact his or her environment and experience.
Post by Day 3 your answer to the following question:
How might potential reactions to an adolescent's questioning of their sexual identity, or gender role, impact their social environment, behavior and self-esteem?
As social workers, what role can we play in assuring the best outcomes for these adolescents?
Please use the Learning Resources to support your answer.
Discussion 2
Discussion: Academic Values and Professional Ethics - A Comparison
The first sentence of the Preamble to the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers states that "the primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people..." (NASW, 2008). This statement very much aligns with the Walden University mission that as an institution "...provides a diverse community of career professionals with the opportunity to transform themselves as scholar-practitioners so that they can effect positive social change" (Walden University, 2013).
Social workers are often called change agents as they address the needs of marginalized and oppressed groups, by enacting change on many different levels. How might Walden University's mission and vision compliment the social work code of ethics? How might you be able to meld the two together to become your own social change agent?
For this Discussion, review this week's Learning Resources. Consider the similarities between the NASW's social work core values and Walden's mission and vision. Then select either the Pedro case or the Debra case and identify a potential ethical dilemma from the case you selected. Consider the decision you might make in response to that dilemma and reflect on how the Walden Mission and Vision as well as the NASW ethical standards might influence your decision. Finally think about how the mission and vision and values might inform your role as a social change agent.
Post by Day 4 an explanation of the similarities between social work core values and the Walden Mission and Vision. Describe the potential ethical dilemma you identified from the course-specific case study you selected. Then explain the decision you might make in response to that ethical dilemma. Include an explanation of how the Walden Mission and Vision and the principles you selected from the NASW ethical standards influenced your decision. Finally, explain how the mission, vision, and values might inform your role as a social change agent.
Support your posts and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources. Be sure to provide full APA citations for your references.