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Multicultural Social Work
Sue et al. (2016) argues that social work professionals who are culturally competent
must be aware of their own values and biases and how these may affect diverse cultural groups.
A culturally competent helper must not deny the fact that they may have benefited from
individual, institutional, and cultural biases, and that they have been socialized into a society
that harbors such biases (Sue et al., 2016). By acknowledging how they have inherited
elements in the socialization process that may be detrimental to culturally diverse clients, a
culturally competent provider can use self-reflection to figure out how to help the client
effectively.
Cultural differences can pose significant challenges that arise from diverse human
experiences (Yip et al., 2019). Language barriers and poor comprehension of foreign languages
can impede the flow of information and understanding, making it difficult to bridge cultural.
Different values, beliefs, and opinions can fuel hostility and a lack of trust, making it
challenging to form meaningful connections (Yip et al., 2019). To address these challenges, it
is critical to acknowledge and respect cultural differences.
As social workers, we need to be respectful of cultural differences and understand that
social and structural constraints can affect people's decision-making
(Yip et al., 2019).
Providing culturally competent strategies such as offering bilingual materials, culturally
appropriate services, or ensuring equitable access, can help us meet our clients' needs and
preferences. Social work is based on core values of diversity and social justice, and treating
people with respect and dignity is essential, regardless of their cultural and ethnic background
(National Association of Social Workers [NASW], n.d.).
