In many cases, for example, it is important to focus on individual clients and to encourage them to achieve insights and learn new behaviors. However, when problems of clients of color reside in prejudice, discrimination and racism of employers, educators, and neighbors or in organizational policies or practices in schools, mental health agencies, government, business and society the traditional therapeutic role appears ineffective and inappropriate. (“What is Multicultural…
Our student ethnic population is very heavy Caucasian, as some urban schools are heavy African American and Latino, offering limited experiences to interact with multiple perspectives. In order for students to have equal opportunities “there must be a large variety of shared undertakings and experiences” because “the influences which educate some into masters educate others into slaves” (Darling-Hammond, 2010). Without these varied experiences, our students might be prevented from becoming active participants in their lives and school. To become an active citizen in our society, our students must have access to multiple perspectives in order to understand the world around them. Teaching in a school with limited experiences forces our teachers to really think of ways to bring varying perspectives into their…
In order for me to be a diversity competent counselor of a chemical dependency group, it is important that I am not only aware of my own cultural and racial heritage but also important that I am aware of the cultural and racial heritage of the participants in the chemical dependency group. I must possess the knowledge of how racism, stereotyping and discrimination is presented to and how it affects each member of my group, according to their own cultural heritage. It is also very important that I know the educational and institutional barriers that could possibly keep them from participating in the group. I should have a basic knowledge of the family structure, their cultural and historical backgrounds, family values and how their culture differs from mine and other members of the group.…
In this section of the Capstone Project I will address the knowledge and skills I have learned in the JMSW Program in regard to multicultural competence. I will first outline the knowledge I have acquired on multicultural competence from courses in the curriculum. Next I will delineate the ethical issues that impact this part of my practice as a professional social worker. Then I will demonstrate my skill development through the completion of a paper on the cycle of socialization, where I was able to apply my knowledge on this area of practice and therefore learn its application to real life client situations. In addition, I will indicate which of the ten core competencies I further developed from the knowledge and skills I have acquired in this area of social work practice.…
The different theories would be used in an effort to identify the areas of concern, and then the chosen theory is used to create an effective objective for the client. When asked, the student interviewed explained that he was not familiar with many of the different theories prior to taking the course. With this statement, the interviewer asked the student what theories discussed during the course would he use to enhance his cultural sensitivity when working with Hispanic and Latino clients. He immediately explained his new appreciation for the Strength Perspective and explained how he as a social worker often focused on the lack of resources that many Latino and Hispanic clients have, and when reading about this theory he realized the importance to focus on the strengths. As cited by Wilson (2006), the Strengths Perspective theory was originally developed in the University of Kansas School of Social Work, and has been continuously developed as the theory is used with various groups. The theory emerged as a response to the idea that social workers were focusing on the problem of their clients, rather than the possibility and strengths. It is with this understanding the interviewed student explained he will now assist those who are in this…
5. Frank Keating “ Anti- Racist Perspectives: What are the Gains for Social Work?” Social Work Education (2000) 77-87. Online…
While it is a nice idea to think that because I believe in equality and have friends “of color”, I am therefore culturally competent, this concept cannot be so simplified. It takes a concerted effort of purposefully assessing and seeking guidance from “experts” to move along this range. In one of the programs I work in, we regularly addresses issues of culture and how we have been challenged either by ignorance (others or our own) or opportunities of education. This is often times challenging as well as humbling, but is rewarding in assessing our level of awareness interpersonally and within our practices. Through the identification of these gaps, we are better able to identify areas of strength as well as areas in which we need additional support or improved methods of…
(B) Social workers should have a knowledge base of their clients' cultures and be able to demonstrate competence in the provision of services that are sensitive to clients' cultures and to differences among people and cultural groups.(C) Social workers should obtain education about and seek to understand the nature of social diversity and oppression with respect to race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, political belief, religion, and mental or physical…
The fight to end racism around the world is ongoing; it will and is a tough fight. But one thing that ivy leagues and college campuses around the nation have to keep in mind is that our community is shaped with different backgrounds, different beliefs and different…
Social Workers value the maximum feasible self – determination, empowerment, and enhancing strengths to increase the client’s voice in decision making. ‘The Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EAPS) affirm the commitment of social programs to the core values of the profession: service, social justice, dignity, and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, competence, human rights, and scientific inquiry’ (NASW, 2008 A; CSWE, 2008; as per Hepworth, Glenda and Kim, 2010). Social Workers demonstrate respect for and acceptance of the unique characteristics of ‘diverse populations that are characterized by great diversity, including the intersection of dimensions such as age, class, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, identity and expression, immigration status, political ideology, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation, religion, physical or mental ability, age, and national origin’ (CSWE, 2008; as per Hepworth, Glenda, and Kim,…
event that I attended demonstrates how I examined myself one’s role as the life-long learner in the area of diversity and culture. At the event, I was provided with the opportunity to learn more in the field of social work. There were several workshops at the event and I decided to learn more about prisoner re-entry. At this event I learned the challenges that this population face when applying for jobs, housing, and obtaining other resources. I also learned what social workers can do to better assist this population, such as becoming involved in advocacy work. I think this Teach in was enlightening, and helped me examine myself as a life-long learner in social work.…
By implementing a curriculum inclusive of diversity and white privilege, middle schools can further the understanding of each concept to the students. Kendall (2002) defines and details white privilege and how to overcome its institutional prowess over the United States by examining the epistemology of his life. However, implementing white privilege is difficult for anyone, especially early adolescents (Cushman & Rogers, 2007). Cushman and Rogers (2007) developed an outline on how to teach middle schoolers, inclusive of how to handle racial and ethnic barriers. Case (2007) does provide evidence of diversity courses benefiting college students in the article. The overarching theme of the three articles are focused on how students can understand…
Several techniques are used in P-12 and higher education settings in an effort to disallow diversity issues to work against student learning in these settings. For example, opportunities for increased interaction with minority students and teachers, focus on the individual’s personality, qualifications, merits, and interests, treat all individuals regardless of their minority group with respect, and actively promote inclusive communities. Implementing these techniques with integrity will at least alleviate students from harboring a sense of bias in regards to course offerings, teacher assignment, grades, acceptance into higher education programs, and promotion or retention in the P-12 and higher education…
The opportunity I have had to pursue an Honors Specialization in Anthropology at Western has allowed me to have an expansive examination, through course work, of experiences of the philosophical and phenomenological. My knowledge level has naturally increased through my Western experience as, I believe, has my wisdom. I have enhanced both my rhetorical skills and my competence in critical analysis. The study of anthropology has given me a clearer sense of the intersection of issues, from structure to ideology and from cultures of interest to values which shapes my research interests. The addition of the Bachelor of Social Work program has allowed me to attain theoretical models of social work intervention to the 20 years of practical experience that I have had in the social service field. The blending of an anthropological and a social work perspective will allow me to have a more multidisciplinary approach to my future research in order to create a more holistic intervention…
College campuses have encouraged this through service-learning, which puts students in communities to serve in different areas and subsequently learn from that service. A study at St. Mary’s College found that twenty-nine of thirty students engaged in service-learning felt that they were more aware of racial inequality and their own prejudice (Reed-Bouley, p.2). Engaging those facing discrimination and making space for discussion void of hateful rhetoric are important ways of addressing discrimination that are becoming more and more…