An Ethics of Care Perspective on Social Workers’ LGBT-Related Knowledge in Practice

Johan Fourie; Neil Henderson; Anja Human-Hendricks

doi:10.25159/2708-9355/21054

Authors

Johan Fourie University of the Western Cape https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6510-9408
Neil Henderson University of the Western Cape https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6566-5551
Anja Human-Hendricks University of the Western Cape https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4159-4581

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2708-9355/21054

Keywords:

LGBT-inclusive social work practice, professional development, ethics of care, Cape Metropole

Abstract

In South Africa, limited research exists on social workers’ professional knowledge of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people and how it is applied in practice. Therefore, this study aims to explore social workers’ knowledge of LGBT identity development and LGBT-affirming referral resources in the Cape Metropole, and to consider implications for inclusive social work practice. This qualitative exploratory descriptive study included 20 social work professionals employed in the public service sector. Participants were selected using convenience and snowball sampling methods and took part in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using Tesch’s (1990) eight-step thematic analysis and interpreted through Tronto’s (2013) political ethics of care framework. Trustworthiness was ensured through reflexive journaling, peer debriefing, detailed contextual description, and verbatim quotations. The findings revealed significant gaps in participants’ knowledge of LGBT identity development and limited familiarity with LGBT-affirming referral resources, which constrained their capacity to provide ethically responsive and inclusive services. Participants identified LGBT-specific continuous professional development as essential for strengthening competence and affirming practice. The findings highlight the need for strengthened social work education, continuous professional development, and referral systems to support inclusive and ethically responsive practices with LGBT clients.

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