Ethnic-Sensitive Social Work Practice Framework Vs. Value Orientation/Worldview Framework

Ethnic-Sensitive Social Work Practice Framework vs. Value Orientation/Worldview Framework Changes in world demographics occasioned by globalization and other factors require people to work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Failure to understand the importance of these differences could result in misunderstandings and conflicts. In addition, the evolving nature of social work requires practitioners to understand people’s view of the world. In most cases, the word “culture” is employed since it includes integrated aspects of human behavior, which include actions, communications, thoughts, beliefs, customs, values, or institutions specific to certain ethnic, racial, religious, or social group. For the above reasons, social workers must appreciate that people could be ethnic-sensitive or value-oriented, and these differences manifest in
different ways. The Ethnic-Sensitive Social Work Practice Framework encompasses the view that certain people are predisposed to have a bigoted and narrow view of the world. In most instances, such people have not had the opportunity to interact with people from other cultural or racial backgrounds. Consequently, their exposure to the world is inherently limited and they may react negatively to issues a social worker might deem mundane (Anderson, & Carter, 2003). For this reason, social workers must appreciate that worldviews differ fundamentally. On the other hand, Value Orientation or Worldview Framework provides social workers with an ideal context for identifying people who have been exposed to various cultures. Such people understand that cultural differences exist and that people from diverse cultural backgrounds react to situations in distinct ways. The above ideas are critical to social work practice as they dictate what to expect from each client.
For instance, an ethnic-sensitive framework teaches social workers to expect clients to be defensive of their behaviors or beliefs (Anderson, & Carter, 2003). Consequently, the social worker should interact with such a client carefully to avoid causing offense or indignation. On the contrary, the Worldview Framework allows for sober and modest discussions between the social worker and client. In essence, it provides for a more liberal approach to global or social issues as the customer is likely to be accommodative. One can distinguish ideas from those of the client, and this requires the development of a therapeutic relationship. It is crucial to understand ideas differ fundamentally but should not be a source of conflict. If the client does not have any values, it is important for the social worker to explain to them the essence of having values as guiding principles. If the client’s values are in opposition to one’s own, it will be advisable to strike a middle ground because no culture is superior to the
other. In the modern world, it is the norm to work with people whose backgrounds are quite different from one’s own. In any case, globalization and migration have necessitated that people of diverse backgrounds work together. In such a situation, it is important to approach the relationship with an open mind and to understand that finding a common ground is possible. However, one must start with understanding of his or her background and how it differs with that of the other person. Consequently, one must banish any feelings of bias or prejudice against certain cultural backgrounds. People sometimes carry misinformation and stereotypes, but these only serve to hinder effective communication and association with others and should, therefore, be avoided. It is important to listen to people tell their stories because every social and cultural background is replete with unique experiences.