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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