Cultural Diversity In Social Work

The concept of cultural diversity is very near and dear to my heart, especially since I am of a mixture of races. Growing up in a Cuban/Jamaican household has definitely posed challenges for me throughout my life journey. Now, as a nurse I have a better understand on how cultural diversity can play a huge part in patient care. As the world is changing and people are marrying cultures together, it is imperative that we become sensitive to the needs of others in a world of diverse backgrounds.

As human services workers we have to be aware of the different cultures and how to respond to them so that we are able to provide the best treatment the clients. The American Psychological Association suggest that we first need to learn about ourselves by exploring our historical roots, beliefs, and values so that we can realize the pervasive role culture plays in our lives (Clay, 2010). After accomplishing this we need to educate ourselves about the different cultures we are going to work with through journal articles and books, along with learning a second language is a good way to further cultural education (Clay, 2010). You state that members of class have learned about culture in different ways depending on their background, these ways

As a social worker an individual must understand that diversity characterize and shape human experience. In diversity the key words that a social worker should pay attention to is cultural awareness, self-awareness, ethno-conscious practice and sensitivity. Having cultural awareness is being aware of individual’s cultural and values. Self-awareness is being aware of personal biases and values when working with diverse groups. Ethno-conscious practice is being concern with social justice and equality. Sensitivity is understanding the difference in assessment, intervention and evaluation when working with diverse groups.

Furthermore, culture competent is very important in this profession. “Culturally competent or culturally grounded social work incorporates culturally based values, norms and diverse ways of knowing.” Kumpfer, Alvarado, Smith, & Bellamy, (2002) (pg. 241-246). It is important that social workers not be bias. The reasons why cultural adaptation is important when it relate to social work practices. As a social worker, you must create a treatment plans for your clients. If a social worker not culture competent with her client’s needs, how well the treatment plans be affected for the best interest of her/her

According to researcher Eunjung Lee, she studied a ‘need for an increase in racial, ethnic and culturally diversity in our society, and cultural responsive social workers and mental health professional’ (p. 63). Increasing in racial, ethnic and cultural diversity justifies attention to our society since social workers demonstrate services to clients by their culturally diverse ways that reflect how they themselves have been taught about diversity. By doing this, opportunities for a social worker to become a role model to the clients for their own growth. When learning, diversity can be difficult by demonstrating anxiety and resistance in multicultural education.

The people in the world that we live in are extremely diverse, in terms of the nationalities, religions, gender classifications and physical abilities. Social workers must have a clear understanding of the consequences of diversity and difference and the mechanisms of oppression and discrimination as they relate to human development. The range of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds that social workers will practice in is huge. Because of this, social workers must have an understanding of the values and attitudes of a multitude of different cultures as well as an understanding of their own attitudes and

The purpose of this paper is to share research information of health care organizations who are experiencing issues with Cultural Diversity. The information shared will help to support health care systems as they continuously work towards reducing health care disparities. While they continue their efforts to decrease diversity in health care governance and leadership. According to recent studies, the Institute for Diversity in Health Management, an affiliate of the American Hospital Association, found that there is about 81 percent of hospitals educated. Studies also found that all

Kenneth stated he had participated in treatments over the years. He claimed to get a better result from inpatient setting which is more structured and they are tailored to his individual treatment plan and addresses his issues, lifestyle and recovery goals.

When you start to work within social care settings you become more aware that we all have differences. It is extremely important not to allow your own beliefs, values etc. to affect your own working practice but we should all enhance all individual’s differences and letting individuals grown within themselves.

Since cultural competence includes attaining the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to enable practitioners to provide effective care for diverse populations, reading and adhering to the Indicators for the Achievement of the NASW Standards for Cultural Competency in Social Work Practice, will allow me to incorporate the ten standards in my daily practice. The ten standards include; ethics and values, self-awareness, cross-cultural knowledge, cross-cultural skills, service delivery, empowerment and advocacy, diverse workforce, professional education, language diversity, and cross-cultural leadership.

In the National Association for Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics, there are many standards a social worker should uphold in order to promote a healthy and helpful relationship with the client. One such aptitude is Cultural Competence and Social Diversity, which is in section 1.05 of the NASW code of ethics (National Association of Social Workers, 2008). There are three sections associated with this competency “Social workers should understand culture and its function in human behavior and society, recognizing the strengths in all cultures”. It is assumed that “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”. As a

Culturally competent social work practice is defined as the service provider’s acquisition of awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to function effectively in a pluralistic democratic society [ . . .], an on an organizational/societal level, advocating effectively to develop new theories, practices, policies, and organizational structures that are more responsive to all groups (Sue, 2006, pp. 29).

This piece of writing is going to demonstrate an understanding of diversity, difference and also discuss the implications for social work practice. It will include an understanding of theories and concepts in relation to diversity where it will address the needs of diverse communities, individuals and groups, exploring differences in relation to culture, ethnicity, gender, age, sexuality, social class and economic wellbeing. It will also demonstrate an understanding of principle of working in an anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory way.

It is imperative that social workers become knowledgeable about their clients’ cultures and are culturally sensitive. In learning about their clients’ cultures, social workers need to be aware of how powerful and significant culture is in relating to clients’ behavior, values, and beliefs. Becoming culturally competent requires the ability to integrate awareness, knowledge, and skills while maintaining a positive working relationship with the client (Sue and Zane, 1987). Today, the concerns regarding cultural competency continue to accentuate the importance of preparing social workers for a diversified society.

In this era, diversity and cultural competence are extremely important to understand, regarding the foundations of human development in the social environment. Diversity can alter or affect an individual’s behavior in many ways. Diversity is considered when an individual is different, or composed of differing elements. Therefore, diversity can include different nationality, gender, sexual orientation, age, class, disability, gender identity, immigration status, political ideology, and religion. At any time, an individual is determined as belonging to another group, different from the majority, the individual is considered to be subject to the effects of diversity. Many children coming from different countries have a problem with language. Not being able to speak the language of the community can cause huge barriers for the children to overcome. Many parents believe that the key to a successful life and fulfillment is to get an education. These parents encourage their kids, that with an education nothing can defeat you. It is also very important for the social worker, or human service provider to be comfortable with diversity, and is culturally competent. Cross-cultured means the individual appreciates and compares the differences and the similarities of different cultures as well as their own.