Reference no: EM133611876

Discussion Post: Cultural Awareness in Social Work Practice

Introduction

What does cultural competence really mean?

Some social workers argue that the focus on "cultural competence" creates an expectation that cultural competence equals an end state that can be achieved once one has acquired all of the knowledge and skills related to practicing with a specific group. This conceptualization ignores the influence of intersectional identities on an individual's unique cultural experience and positions the social worker as "expert in the other," often resulting in reinforcement of stereotypical thinking.

Social work as a profession has begun shifting to the concept of cultural awareness and the use of cultural humility. These concepts recognize that the client is the expert in their own cultural experience and that the social worker must take a humble approach as a constant learner. In addition, social workers need to recognize the institutional and historic discrimination that influence the social experience of a cultural group identity.

You examine the importance of cultural awareness within social work practice and the skills necessary for incorporating it into practice with diverse populations. You also interview a diverse individual and present on your experience.

Learning Objectives

A. Analyze cultural awareness in social work practice.
B. Analyze skills for addressing barriers to cultural awareness.
C. Analyze skill application when working with varied clients.

To Prepare

Review the Learning Objectives, including the videos, and then reflect on the following:

A. What is your definition of cultural competency?

B. What skills do you think are necessary for attaining cultural competence as a social worker working with that population?

C. What is the difference between having knowledge about a cultural group and engaging with an individual from the stance of cultural humility?

Then, search the Walden Library for additional information that supports the skills you selected.

For help with this discussion, please refer back to the Library recommendations in Week 3.

Helpful hint: Try using different keywords including:

• cultural intelligence
• cultural sensitivity
• cultural humility
• cultural competence
• cultural literacy

Add the keyword "skills" to find articles on specific skills that promote cultural awareness in social work practice.

Post a response to the following.

Question A. Provide your definition of cultural humility.

Question B. Explain how this is similar or different to how the Kirst-Ashman and Hull textbook describes cultural competence.

Question C. Explain the skills you think are necessary for developing cultural awareness as a social worker.