Abstract: Submission #36

Abstract This study explores using the sociology of ethics—examining societal norms, cultural values, and collective moral principles shaping human behavior—as a framework to combat corruption and support peace-building in social work education. Unlike social work ethics, which focus on professional standards guiding individual practitioners, sociological ethics emphasize societal structures and cultural contexts influencing collective morals and behaviors. Given the urgent need for social, economic, and environmental justice, this research aims to develop educational practices that empower social workers to contribute actively to sustainable development. By integrating ethical dimensions into the social work curriculum, the goal is to prepare practitioners capable of addressing corruption and fostering peace within their communities. The study employs a Convergent Parallel Design, using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data will be collected through surveys of social work educators and practitioners about their perceptions and implementation of ethical frameworks. Qualitative data will be gathered via in-depth interviews and focus groups, providing insights into their experiences and challenges related to ethics, corruption, and peace-building. The sample will include social work programs across diverse socioeconomic contexts to ensure comprehensive understanding of the issues. Findings are expected to reveal gaps in current social work education regarding ethics and corruption, alongside effective strategies for promoting peace and justice. The study aims to demonstrate that incorporating the sociology of ethics into social work education enhances professional practice and contributes to broader societal goals of justice and sustainable development. Recommendations will include curriculum reforms that integrate ethical training, community-based collaborative projects, and ongoing research initiatives to explore these frameworks' impact in various contexts. Ultimately, this research seeks to establish a model for utilizing ethical sociology as a vital component in advancing justice and peace-building through social work education, contributing valuable insights to the field’s knowledge base.