Ethics
Solution
- Legal aspects
The legal aspects of this case pertain to the rules and regulations governing professional care in early childhood care settings. Men, just like women, have a right to work as early childhood educators. Moreover, from a legal perspective, organizations are required not to discriminate on the basis of gender, unless they can demonstrate why a certain gender should not be allowed to work in that profession. Milligan and Stevens note that social work is legitimated by state authority rather than the subjective judgment of clients.
References
Milligan, I., & Stevens, I. (2006). Residential child care: Collaborative practice. Sage.
Newman, L., & Pollnitz, L. (2005). Understanding Ethics. In Working with children and families: professional, legal and ethical issues. (pp. 106-147). Frenchs Forest: Pearson Prentice Hall.
- Professional considerations
Professional considerations relate to the qualifications of the care provider, and whether they meet all requirements for the job. I meet all the professional qualifications for the proposed job, and in fact, emerged top of all applicants who applied for the position. Moreover, there is no professional requirement that care providers should be of a particular gender. Consequently, I feel that I have satisfied all professional requirements for this position.
References
Milligan, I., & Stevens, I. (2006). Residential child care: Collaborative practice. Sage.
Newman, L., & Pollnitz, L. (2005). Understanding Ethics. In Working with children and families: professional, legal and ethical issues. (pp. 106-147). Frenchs Forest: Pearson Prentice Hall.
- Ethical principles
Ethical principles demand that all individuals should be treated fairly and be given a fair opportunity. Men, just like women, should be allowed to partake in those activities that guarantee the wellbeing and prosperity of children. Having met all professional qualifications, then ethical principles dictate that Michael should be allowed to execute his professional mandate regardless of his gender. The relevant ethical principles would include principles of fairness and equality.
References
Milligan, I., & Stevens, I. (2006). Residential child care: Collaborative practice. Sage.
Newman, L., & Pollnitz, L. (2005). Understanding Ethics. In Working with children and families: professional, legal and ethical issues. (pp. 106-147). Frenchs Forest: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Smith, M., Fulcher, L. C., & Doran, P. (2013). Residential child care in practice: Making a difference. Policy Press.
- Ethical theories
There are several ethical theories that can be used to analyse this case. Kantian ethics dictate that what is considered right in one situation should be applied universally. Thus, if a male provider can care for a male child, then there should be no exception for a female child since ultimately, their professional obligation is childcare. An ethical theory such as utilitarianism, however, would prohibit me from exercising my mandate, since the theory requires that an action pursued should result in the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.
References
Milligan, I., & Stevens, I. (2006). Residential child care: Collaborative practice. Sage.
Newman, L., & Pollnitz, L. (2005). Understanding Ethics. In Working with children and families: professional, legal and ethical issues. (pp. 106-147). Frenchs Forest: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Smith, M., Fulcher, L. C., & Doran, P. (2013). Residential child care in practice: Making a difference. Policy Press.
- Informed inclination
Informed inclination pertains to a predisposition towards a particular ethical position on a given ethical dilemma, based on information that has been gathered after careful analysis. Based on the evaluation of the professional and ethical aspects pertaining to this case, I feel that I should be allowed to continue carrying out my professional duties.
References
Milligan, I., & Stevens, I. (2006). Residential child care: Collaborative practice. Sage.
Newman, L., & Pollnitz, L. (2005). Understanding Ethics. In Working with children and families: professional, legal and ethical issues. (pp. 106-147). Frenchs Forest: Pearson Prentice Hall.
- Negotiation
Despite my inclination, the dilemma involves more than one party. There is therefore a need to negotiate the situation with the disgruntled parents. I will inform them of the above facts pertaining to the case. I will then invite them, to have a discussion so that they can outline rational reasons why they feel that Michael should be prohibited from providing certain forms of care. I will invite them to review Michael’s work while dealing with children so that they can make an informed judgment based on his caregiving capabilities rather than his gender.
References
Milligan, I., & Stevens, I. (2006). Residential child care: Collaborative practice. Sage.
Newman, L., & Pollnitz, L. (2005). Understanding Ethics. In Working with children and families: professional, legal and ethical issues. (pp. 106-147). Frenchs Forest: Pearson Prentice Hall.
- Judgment
My judgment on the matter is that Michael should be allowed to proceed with his professional duties of providing care to all children regardless of gender.
References
Milligan, I., & Stevens, I. (2006). Residential child care: Collaborative practice. Sage.
Newman, L., & Pollnitz, L. (2005). Understanding Ethics. In Working with children and families: professional, legal and ethical issues. (pp. 106-147). Frenchs Forest: Pearson Prentice Hall.
- Action/ possible resolution
I will invite the parents to have a discussion with myself and Michael. I will inform them of my judgment and the justification for the same based on ethical, legal and professional considerations.
References
Milligan, I., & Stevens, I. (2006). Residential child care: Collaborative practice. Sage. Newman, L., & Pollnitz, L. (2005). Understanding Ethics. In Working with children and families: professional, legal and ethical issues. (pp. 106-147). Frenchs Forest: Pearson Prentice Hall.
