The Kantian position argues that each person is a moral agent with a capacity for reason. We are all individuals, and all equal. All people are ends unto themselves, and not means for promoting the interests of others. It has been modified in social work to describe the 'ethical' relationship between worker and client. We use terms like negotiation, co-operation, contract to imply that the worker client relationship is one of rationality, where each party is equal and has the respect of the other.
Clients are to be 'respected as persons'.
What is obvious, however, is that it seldom represents the reality of how a social worker's knowledge, capacities and statutory powers are used in relation to clients. The social worker will make every effort to foster maximum self-determination and social responsibility on the part of clients. When acting for clients the social worker will consider the implications for the competing interests of others. Regardless of its form each society has the obligation to pursue social justice, protect its members from harm and provide maximum benefits for all. Are there any examples of clearly 'unethical approaches' to dealing with the situation.