Developing Cultural Humidity: Chapter 10 Analysis

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.

The preamble of the NASW Code of Ethics encapsulates every aspect of why I elected to become a member of the social work field. Notably, this introduction conceptualizes on the influences of ones’ environment, which distorts the ill notion of typical stereotypes and prejudices that surround vulnerable and oppressed individuals (National Association of Social Workers, 2017). The opportunity and the blessing to serve those who have been chronically oppressed, brings forth an indescribable notion of humility and gratefulness. Those within this elite field understand the impact of larger institutional forces and the practice of internalization (Miley, O’Melia, & DuBois, 2016). Therefore, when I analyze the underpinnings of the preamble, it solidifies that the social work profession is unlike any other profession.

After knowing cultural humility from Tervalon and Murray-Garcia’s research, I realize that looking at different cultures with an open mind is an essential principle in social work practice. Compared to the cultural competence, cultural humility is more about self-reflation rather a skill I need to master. Looking things from the lens of cultural humility helps me calm down to think about the differences, and I learn to treat people respectfully when I interact with diverse individuals. I am interested in working with families who experience domestic violence. Although I have not worked in this social work field, I can connect cultural humility’s three principles to the family welfare program I volunteer with.

To become a Social Worker who practices the tolerance, humbleness, patience, empathy, compassion, aplomb, commitment, dedication, persistence, flexibleness and, of course, some sense of humor are for me indispensable to develop this career every day. Although others attitudes as to be an idealist, passionate, have a high sense of justice, integrity or honor are valuables, however if we don’t manage them properly could lead us to a bad practice of our job. Otherwise are the prejudices. I won’t say I don't have them, after all I do. Is just I'm aware of them so I can be more objective in my opinions. It’s difficult to accept those events, realities or ideas that we don't share, or don't understand because we’re not able to conceive them as possible. There is when the combination of pragmatic studies and individual experience are essential to achieving an effective influence in our

Social work is based on respect for the inherent worth and dignity of all people as expressed in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights(1948) It is therefore of paramount importance that a social work professional should work towards promoting the best interests of individuals and groups in society. I very much recognize the contribution that social work brings to inclusion having worked alongside social workers during the course of my shadowing placement. I possess a real commitment to promote equality which I have had the pleasure of doing in a multitude of different roles. From academic journals as well as my lecture notes I now appreciate the central importance of using the fundamental principles of human rights and equality to underpin my practice, and the inherent need to promote justice in relation with the people I will work.

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

This week’s readings, podcast, and videos were very interesting to learn about white privilege. The term white privilege means the systematic advantages of being white (Tatum Racism: Can We Talk?). The topic white privilege is an exceptionally difficult to discuss for the reason that many white people don’t feel influential or identify they have privileges compared to other individuals in society may not feel differently about white privilege. For example in the article White Privilege Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack Peggy McIntosh, a white feminist scholar identified of society privileges that she received simply because she is White (Tatum Racism: Can We Talk? p 8). Therefore when each individual learns about his or her own privileges there

In our world today, many individuals are faced dealing with oppression, exploitation, social exclusion, and injustice. As a result, this makes it hard for those same individuals to prosper. It leaves them powerless, hopeless, and at a disadvantage. It’s said, “These individuals generate a sense of blame, distrust, alienation, vulnerability, and disenfranchisement” (Dubois, Miley, & O’Melia, 2015, p. 83). It is up to social workers to empower these individuals, give them a sense of hope and bring forth their strengths that society fails to uplift.

There are a multitude of ways we can address the inequality occurring as we live. To begin, those who are privileged need to acknowledge that they are and how it effects targeted groups such as diverse races. Subsequently, privileged individuals must actively listen to their targeted peers and empathize towards their struggles. By listening, we can foster the steps of development towards combating various forms of

In order to deliver effective services it is necessary that professionals are able to work with culturally diverse populations successfully. Social workers must commit themselves to the profession’s enhancement and to their own professional growth in career long learning (National Association of Social Workers, 2010).

This is essential because it is through unpacking these individual acts and experiences that we can begin to realize the larger institutionalized systems of power that are at play, a major advantage of the word privilege and its meaning. For instance, McIntosh observes, “I can, if I wish, arrange to be in the company of people of my race most of the time.” This specific realization then implies that there are people who cannot make such arrangements, who do not have this specific “unearned asset”. In turn, we can begin to see the inherent relationship between privilege and oppression, another advantage of the term privilege and its meaning. Indeed, Launius and Hassel define privilege as “benefits, advantages, and power that accrue to members of a dominant group as a result of the oppression of the marginalized group.” If WGS scholars were to define privilege without acknowledging oppression, they would be

The journey towards the attainment of the Bachelor of the social work degree has been an enlightening and educational experience, as the individual is exposed to the realities of many social and political issues in the society. As a student, I ventured into the degree, with minimal insight as to how the degree can influence and shape the way I perceive the social world, and the way I relate these matters to myself. However, throughout my endeavour, which encompasses years of theoretical studies, and two intensive placements at two drastically different organisations, I believe I have accumulated the bare minimal knowledge to possess a solid foundation about the unfairness and inequality that people in disadvantaged conditions face. Social workers are predominantly found in welfare organisations which Howe (as cited in Limber, 2015) suggested largely influences the practice, direction and values of the social worker, and impacts on their ability to act autonomously (Lymbery, 2015). During my placements, there was a dominant theme that frequently stood out and enticed my attention. This was the accepted practice of focusing on the individual’s problem, as opposed to the social problems that existed and the lack of acknowledgement about the social restrictions of the human agency that limited self-determination. The realization that organisations were managed this way was important in ensuring that I made a proactive effort to understand and untangle the reasons behind such

I think a core value that aligns and is very useful in the field that I acquire is being aware of a person’s dignity and worth. I am the kind of person that treats a very wealthy person and a homeless person equally, I don’t believe that people are better than others in any circumstance. I also grew up in an extremely diverse community which has allowed me to think broadly and not have a person’s culture, ethnicity, or other differences effect my perception of them. “Social workers treat each person in a caring and respectful fashion, mindful of individual differences and cultural and ethnic diversity” (NASW, 2008). I think this is one of the most important values in social work because a worker simply cannot provide the best service if their differences can’t be put to the side. I believe

Before beginning the Master of Social Work program at Laurier I figured I had a strong understanding of what social work was. However, I quickly learned that I had only scratched the surface. I knew oppression existed, but I never understood the depth of it. I now know that I was afraid of it. It was easy for me to stay silent, because it was such a comfortable position to be in. Doing nothing meant I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. This was influenced by the privilege I had.