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Stages of Cultural Understanding

Differentiate between the concepts of cultural competence and cultural humility (p. 140-144). Identify the relative merits and potential harms of emphasizing each concept, respectively, in social work practice. Share your opinion about which concept is most helpful when it comes to emphatic social work practice. Answer the question: If someone from a cultural background other than your own were your social worker, which perspective would you prefer they take? Why?

Page 140

Empowerment Practice

Many authors assert that social work practice with oppressed populations should have client empowerment as a goal. When clients are empowered, they have control (power) over their environment, which makes it possible for them to improve their lives (Everett, Homestead, & Drisko, 2007). The goal of empowerment is to increase the abilities of individuals, families, and communities to get what they need; influence how others think, act, or believe; and influence how resources are distributed (Gutirrez et al., 1995).

EP 2b

The strengths perspective is critical to cultural competency. The rich and varied backgrounds and identities of clients make it necessary to explore the social networks and cultural practices in which people find meaning. A social worker who is unfamiliar with such practices should ask the client to identify all the resources in his or her personal environment. These resources may involve the immediate family, extended family, friends, community, religion, work, or other social networks. The resources, which reflect the unique culture of the individual, can be tapped to improve the level of the clients functioning.

141 page Understanding Cultural Differences

EP 8

In addition to awareness of self, cultural competence requires awareness and understanding of those who are different from us. As our society becomes more diverse, practitioners are working with an increasing number of people whose values and perspectives are different from those of the mainstream health, mental health, and social service systems. Learning about the reality of clients lives can help bridge the gap between differences. This requires the use of empathy when engaging with clients. Empathy is a key ingredient in cultural competence. Clear communication is also needed for effective practice and can be difficult across cultural differences. The more we learn about others, the more likely we are to be able to communicate clearly.

Part of culturally competent practice is to understand that values vary among individuals and that variations may be influenced by a persons identity or membership group experience. A number of general values should be considered when working with diverse populations. A culturally proficient social worker examines the way people view time, accomplishments, relationships, and human behavior, and considers how a persons cultural background may influence those values (see Box 5.4). For example, a person who perceives that a focus on the present is valuable may perceive that people who expend energy planning and saving for the future are failing to enjoy life. Conversely, if a persons view of time is that future planning is important, she or he may regard one who focuses on today as being lazy or unable to delay gratification.

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Sample Answer

 

 

 

Cultural Competence vs. Cultural Humility in Social Work

Cultural Competence:

  • Definition: The ability to understand and effectively interact with people from different cultures, including knowledge of their values, beliefs, and practices.
  • Merits:
    • Improves communication and builds trust with clients.
    • Ensures services are culturally relevant and appropriate.
    • Reduces bias and promotes client empowerment

Full Answer Section

 

 

 

 

  • Potential Harms:
    • Can lead to oversimplification of cultures, assuming all members are the same.
    • May create a false sense of security, believing one has “mastered” a culture.
    • Risk of focusing too much on cultural differences and neglecting commonalities.

Cultural Humility:

  • Definition: An ongoing process of self-reflection and a lifelong commitment to learning about different cultures. It acknowledges the limitations of one’s own cultural knowledge and emphasizes the importance of learning from clients themselves.
  • Merits:
    • Encourages ongoing learning and fosters a more dynamic client-worker relationship.
    • Recognizes the power dynamics inherent in social work and promotes a more collaborative approach.
    • Values the client’s expertise in their own culture and experiences.
  • Potential Harms:
    • May feel less clear-cut or structured than cultural competence.
    • Requires continuous effort and self-awareness, which can be challenging.
    • Risk of relying solely on the client’s expertise without having some background knowledge.

Emphatic Social Work Practice:

In my opinion, cultural humility is the most helpful concept for emphatic social work practice. Empathy requires understanding the client’s perspective and experiences, and cultural humility fosters a space for that understanding to develop. It acknowledges that cultural differences exist and that the client is the expert on their own culture. Here’s why:

  • Focus on the Client: Cultural humility prioritizes the client’s voice and lived experience.
  • Lifelong Learning: It encourages the social worker to continuously learn and adapt their approach based on each client’s unique background.
  • Power Dynamics: Cultural humility recognizes the imbalance of power in the social worker-client relationship and strives to create a more collaborative environment.

Social Worker from a Different Background:

If my social worker came from a different cultural background, I would prefer them to approach me with cultural humility. Here’s why:

  • Understanding My Culture: They would be open to learning about my specific culture and experiences, not just relying on stereotypes.
  • Flexibility and Openness: This approach allows for a more dynamic interaction, adapting to my needs and preferences.
  • Shared Learning: It creates an opportunity for me to learn from their cultural perspective as well, fostering a more enriching experience.

While cultural competence provides a valuable foundation, cultural humility fosters a more genuine and empathetic connection with clients from diverse backgrounds.

 

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