SWK TP 1_530_Multicultural Social Work Essay
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Jun 9, 2024
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Multicultural Social Work Essay
Rosa Garcia
College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Grand Canyon University SWK-530: Diversity and Social Justice in Social Work
Tarinda Craglow
May 8, 2024
1
Multicultural Social Work Essay
There is a belief that culturally knowledgeable social workers need to be conscious of their own values and biases but also how they add to the disadvantage of different cultures. Culturally knowledgeable social workers should not feel the need to deny the fact that they have in some way benefited from biases. This would be whether they were individual, institutional, cultural biases, or that they have adopted standards that encourage similar biases. When a social worker that is culturally competent is able to achieve self- reflection, it will make it possible for them to discover ways in which they can respond to clients that have inherited destructive elements of the socialization process which may have been predisposed by members of their family. The social worker may at this point adjust their approach to be mindful of any of their own biases and attempt to challenge them. Someone who’s role involves customers or clients’ needs to know how to listen to feedback provided by these customers or clients but should also be willing to learn from them. Lastly, it is important that they are willing to advocate for their clients or customers by challenging any oppressive systems which may be encountered in their work. Cultural differences may result from different human experiences, and this could present an important challenge for human interactions. An effective cultural integration may be hindered by a lack of language barriers but also if there is limited capacity to understand foreign languages
if language barriers do not exist. Hostility and the fact that there is a lack of trust amongst individuals with differing values, beliefs, and opinions, makes it difficult for individuals to develop meaningful connections with one another. To make it possible to overcome these challenges, it is important that we can appreciate and understand the cultural differences. Cultural integration commands an understanding of the cultural norms of any host country and 2
this would be in addition to learning a new language. Great ways to foster a sense of belonging to each other that allows us to foster a sense of shared identity includes sports, music, or arts. The process of decision making in social work includes considering any social and structural constraints, which need to be considered by social workers as well as any cultural differences. Adopting a culturally aware strategy allows us to ensure that we are meeting the needs and wants of our clients. One example would be providing bilingual resources, culturally fitting services, but also by making sure there is equal access to our services. Individuals should be given respect and dignity no matter what their cultural or ethnic background in social work, and this is constructed on core values of diversity and social justice (National Association of Social Workers [NASW]). Also, per the American Society for Social Work, social workers need to create a work environment that encourages people to welcome and respect different cultures and values. Social workers need to treat individuals with respect and kindness, and they need to be conscious of their own biases and work to overcome them. The approach that social workers take with their clients’ needs to be modified according to the cultural norms and values, as well as the needs of their clients. Addressing issues of social significance such as violence against women, I offer empathy,
avoid placing judgement, and assisting victims in finding resources that help them cope with any trauma endured. One of the best ways to avoid bias is to change stereotypes intentionally by simply taking an individualistic approach. Reflecting on possible biases and then replacing them with positive examples would be a good way to lessen reflexive reactions. Respecting other people's perspectives is not the only way we can change our perspective and look at things from someone else's point of view. In addition, we can also decrease our biases when we take into account other people’s views. There is also a greater gain when we understand our own biases by
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simply reflecting on our behavior but also by reflecting on why we may react in a specific manner. This could help us to pinpoint any biases we may have and question them. Most importantly, we can attempt to be aware of our biases and do our best challenge them. In order for cultural competence to be achieved, it is crucial to acknowledge and respect the dissimilarities amongst cultures, while developing approaches that are culturally fitting, but also remembering to treat people with dignity and respect. In the course of our efforts, the ability
to link cultural disparities and support social justice for all people in our society will be made possible. The work that social workers do makes it possible for there to be improvement in people’s lives and the possibility for there to also be social change. Social workers need to play a
significant role when it comes to achieving justice and equality, as this is in the best interests of society. The expertise of the social worker would used toward advocating for change but also towards creating an environment where every individual feels regarded and accepted by using their knowledge to advocate for change. As a social worker, one can also collaborate with other individuals in the community to help link cultural rifts and work towards making society a more equitable place. 4
References
Cherry, K. (2023). Is it possible to overcome implicit bias? Very well Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/implicit-bias-overview-4178401 National Association of Social Workers. (n.d.). https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics- English/Social-Workers-Ethical-Responsibilities-to-Clients
Sue, D. W., Rasheed, M. N., & Rasheed, J. M. (2016). Multicultural social work practice: A competency-based approach to diversity and social justice (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. ISBN-13: 9781118536100.
Yip, T., Cheon, Y. M., & Wang, Y. (2019). The Diversity Paradox: Opportunities and Challenges of "Contact in Context" across Development. Research in human development, 16(1), 51– 75. https://doi.org/10.1080/15427609.2018.1549404 5