Ethnicity and Social Work Practice

Abstract

Diversity has become a keynote feature of our society and social workers are increasingly finding themselves working with clients from a multitude of backgrounds and cultures. In order to work effectively with these groups and communities, it is imperative that they understand the significance of ethnicity and the ways in which it influences perceptions, behaviors, and responses to interventions. Knowledge is a prerequisite for such understanding and therefore critical for meaningful practice. However, knowledge is not the sole factor necessary for establishing social work relationships. The sensitivity of the practitioner to the culture and traditions of the client is equally important. This book offers a broad conceptual model applicable to working with any diverse ethnic population. Rather than discussing specific groups, it illustrates a model that can be universally applied to all populations. Beginning with the concept of the “ethnic lens” and its many dimensions, the book addresses social work with individuals, families, groups, and communities with separate chapters on ethnicity and services, healthcare, and policy. As each of these areas is examined through the lens, rather than through a description of specific ethnic characteristics or traits, it enables practitioners to become aware of their own lenses as well as those of others and thus to have greater awareness of how society, problems, the helping process, they themselves as social workers may be perceived. The book avoids stereotyping and generalizations as it provides comprehensive conceptual framework that can be used by students and practitioners.

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