Reference no: EM133496397

Homework: Minority Experiences and Impacts Reflection

Overview

It is important for social workers to have empathy for their clients and to attempt to develop an understanding of the perspectives of others. Studying and reading is one way to do this. Another way to do this is to intentionally place yourself into environments where you might be unfamiliar. There is great learning that comes from stepping out of your "comfort zones" and interacting with others that are different from you. To help you on this journey, you will each engage in a minority experience which will expand your boundaries and grow your cultural competency.

Instructions

You will first choose to place yourself in an unfamiliar setting in which you are a racial minority (You must look different from the majority of those around you). You will do this homework completely alone, with no friends, family, colleagues, or anyone familiar to you. You are not to discuss with the people in the setting that you are there for a class. No previous experiences will be approved.You may also not use an LGBTQIA+ setting for this homework.

You are then required to write an effective 4 to 5 pages written account of this experience in APA format. Each paper will have a title page and a reference page in addition to the 4 to 5 pages of content. Use headings for your sections in the paper.

Question A. Identify how the dominant/majority culture's structures and values may oppress, marginalize, or alienate this population group and/or themselves. You can also consider how the population group has created or enhanced privilege and power. Discuss at least three examples and use at least two professional sources (textbooks or academic journals) to support your points.

Question B. Identify what you learned from the population during the experience or how you can learn from the population in general. Consider what some of the cultural values are of the population for this question. You should discuss at least two points that were learned or can be learned.

Question C. Identify prejudice and stereotypes associated with this population group. Describe how these stereotypes were reinforced or proven incorrect by this experience. Discuss a minimum of four specific stereotypes of the population.

Question D. List ways in which the population is impacted by difference from the dominant/majority culture. Provide at least two specific examples.

Question E. Recognizing that each person has biases, you are to describe in what ways you have made strides to gain self-awareness to help eliminate the influence of your personal biases and values in working with diverse groups. You will also describe what you can do in the future to continue to seek to overcome your biases and grow in cultural competence.

Question F. List ways in which your life experiences have been impacted by difference and/or similarity to the majority/dominant race. Are there any privileges you have experienced by being a member of the dominant culture? Are there ways that you have been harmed by not being a member of the dominant culture? Discuss two specific examples.

Question G. Discuss how being a minority in the environment affected you on an emotional level. Discuss how going alone without a friend, colleague, or family member impacted you. Discuss how you felt about doing this homework prior to accomplishing it. Discuss how you feel after completing the homework. Lastly, discuss what you learned because of the experience.