Abstracts
Abstract
Moral distress is an important topic, particularly given the impact of unacknowledged moral distress on professional practice, including social work. Interviews with Ontario Works (OW) case managers working in regional offices in southern Ontario form the backdrop of an analysis of moral distress in the context of a highly rule-bound environment combined with unmet needs. This study focuses particularly on the role of structural constraints, such as policy restrictions as contributors to moral distress. The concept of moral distress is complicated by noting that distress is not always in response to a desire to act in the best interest of the client. An argument is developed that situating moral distress in a discussion of professional and feminist ethics encourages a deeper analysis of the implications of moral distress for professionals working in restrictive policy environments.
Keywords:
- Moral distress,
- policy implementation,
- Ontario Works,
- feminist ethics
Résumé
La détresse morale est un sujet important, particulièrement en raison de l’impact de la détresse morale non reconnue sur la pratique professionnelle, y compris le travail social. Les entrevues avec les gestionnaires de cas d’Ontario au travail (OT) travaillant dans les bureaux régionaux du Sud de l’Ontario forment la toile de fond d’une analyse de la détresse morale dans le contexte d’un environnement fortement réglementé et de besoins non satisfaits. Cette étude se concentre particulièrement sur le rôle des contraintes structurelles, telles que les restrictions politiques, qui contribuent à la détresse morale. Le concept de détresse morale est compliqué par le fait que la détresse n’est pas toujours une réponse au souci d’agir dans l’intérêt supérieur du client. Un argument est présenté : situer la détresse morale dans un processus de discussion sur l’éthique professionnelle et féministe encourage une analyse plus approfondie des implications de la détresse morale pour les professionnels qui travaillent dans des environnements politiques restrictifs.
Mots-clés :
- Détresse morale,
- mise en oeuvre de politiques,
- Ontario au travail,
- éthique féministe
Appendices
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