Monday, January 21, 2013

Diversity Overview

Diversity with clients can include many different things. Here is an overview based upon the KSA's (see initial post)


1.                  Differences in culture, race, and ethnicity – there are several different ethnic groups. It is important for social workers to become familiar with each ethnic group, the code of ethics and how it applies to each ethnic group, the history of each group, the common stressors esp as it relates to work, understand policies and services available for each group, address the social environment, and understand intervention and whether it is voluntary or involuntary, and apply SW knowled to client to help identify support for ethnic group. It is also important for SWer to be aware of own ethnic background and own responses to different groups and possibly how each ethnic group might respond to SWer.

a)                  The influences of culture, race, and/or ethnicity – culture, race, and ethnicity can impact a person’s beliefs, personality, choices, and social interactions. This can also influence how comfortable one feels with others of different backgrounds. Many older adults are set in their ways and beliefs and want their posterity to follow in their footsteps – keep traditions alive throughout generations. However, younger generations assimilate their beliefs more into the mainstream and may adapt more or leave their traditions behind in order to join the mainstream society.

b)                 The impact of culture, race, and/or ethnicity on self-image – for some, the family and ethnic group provides a base of comfortability and support no matter what. For others, it becomes a hindrance to acceptance in society.

c)                  The effects of discrimination based on culture, race, and/or ethnicity­  - sometimes the effects of discrimination are severe – creating wars due to judgments and biases. Other times, it is more individualistic to a person or localized to a town/city. However, all discrimination has negative effects. It can cause low self-esteem, depression, suicide, isolation, hatred, etc.

d)                 It is important to also recognize whether client’s problems are something the whole group is experiencing. Does the client have to adapt or does the community need more awareness? Is the group receiving access to the same community supports as other groups? If not, the social worker may have to advocate on client’s/group’s behalf.

 

2.                 Differences in sexual orientation and/or gender – if a male has feminine characteristics, he tends to ‘lose face’ in society and lose social power that came with being male. If a female has masculine traits, she may not be accepted in society as readily and may be termed lesbian. Both instances can create problems in school and/or employment areas.

a)                 The impact of sexual orientation and/or gender on self-image­ – due to society not being fully accepting of the multiple gender and sexual orientation varieties, this can cause one to questions self and identity and place in society. This may cause one to isolate or hide true self due to fear or survival.

b)                 The effects of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender – can cause depression, suicide, low self-esteem, etc

c)                  Common Stereotypes (all false)

(1)              Person’s sexual orientation is a personal choice.
(2)              People with a different sexual orientation have a mental disorder.
(3)              Performing actions that express sexual orientations is immoral.
(4)              People with non-traditional sexual orientations are not competent parents and are more likely to abuse a child.
(5)              Any couple is heterosexual in nature and requires one person to assume a masculine role and the other a feminine one.
(6)              A transgender person is always homosexual.
(7)              Someone who is part of a sexual minority is not capable of sustaining long term relationships.
(8)              People who promote rights of sexual minorities undermine the core family values.
 
 

3.                  Differences in age and/or disability factors and characteristics

a)                 The influences of age and/or disability­ – ageism – being judged due to age

b)                 The impact of age and/or disability on self-image – may cause decline in personal control over environment and a person’s economic status. Declines view of self, quality of life, emotional satisfaction, and increases depression. Effects physical health due to stress in dealing with aging or disability.

c)                  The effects of discrimination based on age and/or disability  - many lose their jobs b/c they are no longer seen as valuable to the company/organization. This causes lower incomes and higher stress. People tend to make more decisions for them b/c they think they can’t make them for themselves – they are seen as mentally incapable.

d)                 The elderly population does experience some mental disorders that are important to talk about such as depression, dementia, and paranoia. Depression is the most common due to the ageism, loss of job, and real or imagined loss of productivity, regrets, etc. Dementia occurs more often in older age than younger ages. Most common form is Alzheimer’s. Paranoia is a distrust of others but be careful b/c some elderly are reporting actual abuse and are not just paranoid.

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