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MIXING ROLES "A role is a set of social expectations." But what if you mix roles, and find yourself torn in several directions by conflicting expectations? In this situation, HSW is working for Ms. French. She is also working for Citiwide Charities. At some point, these roles might lead her to be "caught in the middle." Pehaps Ms. French would want her to counsel a young woman to consider abortion, while Citiwide Charities has a position against abortion. How could this be resolved? HSW is also working for the benefit of the young people to whom she is reaching out. Their needs, especially as they perceive them, may be quite different than their needs as perceived by Ms. French and the Tenants Association. It is possible that HSW will find out about illegal activities that the young people are involved in. It is possible that some of these activities could lead to a serious risk to someone's life. What should HSW do then? There are no easy answers to the problems raised by mixing roles. Perhaps the only reliable guideline is to be aware of these mixed expectations, and to consult with colleagues and supervisors about how to handle them.
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