A perfect moral act is one that is performed with full knowledge and full consent. It is called perfect because it has fully the constituents of a human act, knowledge and full freedom of choice. The perfect example of this kind of moral act was when Mohan – who always had difficulty to pay the school fees- found a purse full of money lying near the canteen, and promptly deposited it in the school office.

 An imperfect moral act is one which either the knowledge or the freedom of the individual, or both, are impaired or lessened. Accordingly, of course, the merit or guilt is lessened. When Neeta was lured by her school friends on to have an all night party, she attended it despite the fact that she knew her parents would not approve of it, was imperfect moral act. She knew that the act was wrong but she was guided by her friends.

 A negative moral act is one, which involves some neglect to perform a duty. It is an omission of an act that should be done. For example a solider on sentry duty that goes to sleep when he is supposed to be on guard would be quality of moral offence of this type.

 A positive moral act, on the other hand, involves the function of a human act that involves the performance of a good deed. Feeding a hungry person or taking care of the sick is a positive moral act.

 A directly voluntary act is one, which is performed to achieve an end. The doer of the deed is conscious of the act and the end that is being sought. An indirectly voluntary act occurs when it has a secondary effect from a directly voluntary act. The secondary effect is not sought either for its own sake or a means to a further end, but it is, however, foreseen, at least obscurely. When Mr. Ram nursed his rich sick relative, he was aware that all the valuables and properties of the relative will invariably be given to him. He did not nurse the relative simply due to his greed but it was there at the back of his mind.

 For instance, in a hospital a patient who is on a liquid diet asks a friendly nurse for solid food. She gives him some solid food out of friendship, never, of course, wishing any harm to the patient. Morally, this nurse is responsible for whatever ill effects the patient may suffer because such harm is indirectly willed by her.

 Sometimes, however, the moral case is more complex. Ravi is suffering from acute appendicitis. If his life is to be saved he will have to undergo an operation. But Ravi has a morbid fear of the surgeon’s knife. He tries to run away from the hospital in order to avoid the operation. While the effect of saving Ravi’s life is good, there is the bad effect of destroying him psychologically. Should a doctor perform this operation? What are the moral principles that must be observed in such matters where one action has double effects? The answer to the case presented above is affirmative. The doctor may perform the operation.

Philanthropy with a mission!

It is unknown to many, a majority of the young tribe of social workers does not do ‘voluntary’ or ‘honorarium’ work anymore, but in fact are paid and salaried professionals today. While social goals and political activism may be the main motive behind entering the sphere, better career prospects, greater scope for specialists, more opportunities in urban areas and promising professional’s growth, are major factors attracting youngsters here. Social workers today address a host of new and old lifestyles and social problems that have come to the fore front today. These range from unemployment, coping with life threatening diseases like cancer and aids, disability, drug addiction, domestic violence and abuse. In their capacities they often have to wear many hats at once, from that of a confident counselor, advisor, therapists, educator, and administrator to manager and care taker.

Qualities

The sphere is one in which problems arise out of cause that are never superficial but very deep. Rectifying these needs time and hence it is importance for the social worker to have the inherent desire o assist a person in difficult circumstances. For this he/she needs to be patient, calm, cool in crises, polite, compassionate but not emotional, courageous, intelligent, sensitive to other’s needs and feelings, physically , convincing, truth worthy and committed. He/she should have an interest in helping people. Have a sound academic background, thorough understanding of issues in hand, clear thinking, quick decision making ability, great communication skills and good organizing, leadership and liaising skills.

Qualification and training

It is necessary to qualify oneself suitably in the field before entering bachelor’s degree in social work or BSW after class XII, followed by a master’s degree or MSW in the subject is vital for good job prospects. These programs increase a candidate’s knowledge about the sphere its code of ethics, practice and necessary credentials. Those interested in taking up teaching and research assignments can further pursue Doctoral or PhD degrees in subjects they want to specialize in.

Job profile and career prospects

Social workers are generally found aiding individuals, families or groups. Some social workers use time or groups. Some social workers use time to their advantage and with credibility and work experience, build a good contact base, funding partners, credible record of work and a strong reputation to establish their own counseling centre or NGO’s later. There are others in part and full time employment, stationed at central/state and local government departments of family and social welfare, non-governmental organizations, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, substances abuse treatment and rehabilitation centre and personnel relations department in factories. Many later also join politics or venture in to writing and making documentary films. Their work responsibilities sometimes also include carrying out each, being involved in planning out and developing policy, meeting clients, organizing awareness campaigns, arranging funding, promoting and publishing their work using media and provide social services in varied spheres, thus in the course of all these activities they usually addresses issues like bride burning, dowry, adoption by children’s couples, finding fosters home for orphans, single parenthood, drug abuse, child abuse, sensitization towards women and elderly couples, employees assistance, domestic violence and living with that assistances, domestic violence and living with disease like cancer and AIDS that often spell the death knell in one’s life.

Pros and cons

The best aspect about the sphere is that social workers are often locked upon a good Samaritans or angels by people they assist. The joy of successfully a person in needs is exalting. The field today also offers better job options and higher salaries with national and international agencies mushrooming in the country. The scope to travel, interact with a motley crowd of interact with a motley crowd of people and work on diverse projects that have practical social and political that have practical, social and political implications can be exciting. However, the field is having its own drawbacks. Among these are aspects that it can be an emotionally draining, physically strenuous and personally frustrating that may pose problems are understaffing in agencies, existence of corruption and chances of politicization of issues.