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Receptivity and readiness for cultural competence training amongst the social workers in Hong Kong
- Authors:
- LEE Vincent W P, LAI Daniel W.L., RUAN Yong-Xin
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Social Work, 52(1), 2022, pp.6-25.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
This research examined understandings of cultural competence of social workers in Hong Kong, their needs and challenges in serving culturally diverse groups, and their willingness and receptivity to receive cultural competence training by using constructivist grounded theory. Individual qualitative interviews were conducted with thirteen frontline and managerial practitioners and educators in training institutions in the social work profession. Data were analysed by identifying major themes. The findings show that social workers in Hong Kong tend to encounter language barriers and various forms of cultural shocks in serving ethnoculturally diverse clients. The professional code of practice is not sufficient in promoting culturally competent practice and there are institutional barriers to the enhancement of cultural competence of the social services. Mainstream social work units are generally not well prepared to provide services to non-Chinese communities. In response to these obstacles, professional training should provide future Hong Kong social workers with opportunities to interact with ethnoculturally diverse communities through service-learning. To tackle institutional racism, leaders should have cultural awareness and promote culturally inclusive practices. Inclusion of staff members from diverse cultural backgrounds would increase the capacity of the organisations to better serve clients of diverse needs. Anti-racism training should be made as an essential professional development component for social work students, practicum students, practitioners and managers. (Edited publisher abstract)
Between majority and minority: a model for understanding and promoting culturally competent policy practice in multicultural societies
- Author:
- NOUMAN Hani
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Social Work, 50(2), 2020, pp.506-524.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
The engagement of social workers in policy-shaping processes reflects the commitment of the social work profession to promoting equality and social justice. Whilst in many countries engagement is a professional requirement, one cannot ignore the fact that it is essentially a political activity inextricably linked to the socio-political context in which it occurs. Cultural competence for engagement in shaping policy processes is necessary to promote effective engagement of social workers in policy practice in cross-cultural political situations. Notwithstanding the focus of the literature on cultural competence in the past decade, it centres mainly on the intercultural encounter between social workers and clients and on the therapeutic context, with emphasis on the practitioner belonging to the dominant Western culture whilst the client belongs to the less dominant ‘other’ in society. This article attempts to fill the gap by developing a theoretical culturally competent policy practice model to examine different dimensions of cultural competence required for the engagement of social workers from different ethnic groups in the policy arena. In addition, the article presents the significant implications of the model for policy, practice and research. (Publisher abstract)
Cultural intervention strategies employed by Arab social workers in Israel: identification and conceptualisation
- Authors:
- ZOABI Khawla, SAVAYA Riki
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Social Work, 42(2), 2012, pp.245-264.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Social work practice in Israel is rooted in Western culture. This paper focuses on the cultural practices that Palestinian social workers living and educated in Israel utilise in their work with Palestinian clients. Semi-structured interviews were held with 15 Arab social workers employed in municipal social services departments in Arab and mixed localities in Israel. The interviewees were asked about cultural intervention strategies that they used with their Arab clients. Cultural intervention strategies were defined as strategies that they felt were rooted in their culture and had not been taught in the Western-oriented schools of social work where they had studied. Analysis of the findings identified 12 cultural intervention strategies. These are divided into 3 categories in accord with their purposes: strategies aimed at enhancing coping; strategies aimed at avoiding conflict with and punishment by the family and community; and reframing using terms and concepts familiar to the culture. The discussion emphasises the advantages of the social workers having at their disposal both the professional strategies they learned in their social work education and the cultural strategies they acquired in the course of their work.
Opportunity for development or necessary nuisance? The case for viewing working with interpreters as a bonus in therapeutic work
- Authors:
- TRIBE Rachel, THOMPSON Kate
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Migration Health and Social Care, 5(2), September 2009, pp.4-12.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This paper considers the role that the language interpreter can play in the therapeutic relationship, particularly considering the advantages and additional opportunities of this altered therapeutic situation. It argues that clinicians who are willing to gain experience of working with interpreters will find many advantages in addition to fulfilling legal and professional requirements relating to equity of service provision. The interpreter may be able to provide a different cultural perspective, be a link between the different cultures of the clinician and the client, and provide support when managing work on traumatic experiences. Use of the interpreter may also encourage the clinician to consider their own approach to language including simplifying the language they use and assessing their use of jargon. The article also considers why some clinicians are unsure about using interpreters. The article concludes that there is a need to provide guidelines to clarify the role of interpreters, including the issues of confidentiality and expectations of interpreter advocacy.
Exploring the three-way relationship in therapeutic work with interpreters
- Authors:
- TRIBE Rachel, THOMPSON Kate
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Migration Health and Social Care, 5(2), September 2009, pp.13-21.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
In a companion paper the authors argue that working with interpreters can add value to therapeutic work, and that it is viewed more negatively than is warranted. This paper explores the reluctance of clinicians to engage with therapeutic work with interpreters. Difficulties are often due to anxieties provoked by working in a 3-way therapeutic relationship. This paper considers the relationship between the 3 participants, and specifically describes alliances between client and interpreter, clinician and interpreter, and clinician and client. Another issue of concern which is discussed in the article is the impact of highly traumatic material arising in therapy, for example with refugees or asylum seekers fleeing from political violence, on the 3-way therapeutic relationship. Overall, the paper argues that the therapist and interpreter need to offer a relationship as a co-working couple so that they can manage the relationship between the 3 parties.
Conceptualizing disaster preparedness interventions and research: what does literature have to do with it?
- Authors:
- RAMANATHAN Chathapuram S., CRAWLEY William
- Journal article citation:
- Families in Society, 102(3), 2021, pp.367-384.
- Publisher:
- The Alliance for Children and Families
Natural disasters are frequent, widespread, and derail the lives of large percentages of the population. Social work professionals are among those suitable for intervening in natural disasters as they assist individuals, families, and communities. To understand the knowledge in the areas of disaster preparedness—the authors investigated the literature by reviewing 10 major social work journals—a conceptual model of disaster preparedness was developed for effective intervention and research. While specific needs vary for individuals, communities, and cultures, there are universal aspects central to human existence. (Edited publisher abstract)
Constructing cultural otherness within the Swedish welfare state: the cases of social workers in Sweden
- Author:
- ELIASSI Barzoo
- Journal article citation:
- Qualitative Social Work, 14(4), 2015, pp.554-571.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Drawing on in-depth interviews with 20 social workers in three different Swedish municipalities, this study analyses how social workers frame the social problems of immigrant clients in Sweden. While Swedish social work often assumes a discourse of colour-blindness and universalism, this study indicates that Swedish social workers not only see cultural differences but also regard these differences as central when they frame, assess, and formulate their interventions. The discourse of culturalisation not only produces and reinforces the ideas of cultural hierarchy and Swedish superiority, but it also tends to obstruct non-European immigrants from equal participation in the Swedish society since they are not allowed to enjoy their full citizenship. Consequently, there is a need for social work in Sweden to rethink its culturalist framework and go beyond cultural reductionism and take into consideration other issues such as unemployment, housing conditions, poverty, social isolation, marginalization, and ethnic discrimination. (Edited publisher abstract)
Developing cultural competence with Latter-Day Saint clients: a strengths-based perspective
- Authors:
- WALTON Elaine, LIMB Gordon E., HODGE David R.
- Journal article citation:
- Families in Society, 92(1), January 2011, pp.50-54.
- Publisher:
- The Alliance for Children and Families
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), often known as Mormon, is one of the fastest growing religions in the world. Understanding LDS clients’ beliefs about God, family life, and the importance of worship will help social workers suggest appropriate and effective interventions. This article utilises a strengths perspective to help social workers better understand the unique cultural and religious dimensions of effective practice with LDS Church clients. The article contains a summary of the basic beliefs, practices, and structure of the LDS Church. It discusses possible value conflicts, identifies challenges that may be unique to members of the LDS Church, and provides suggestions for spiritual assessment and interventions. The article offers suggestions to enhance the cultural sensitivity of services provided to LDS clients utilising the unique strengths and resources of the LDS Church.
Being a ‘culturally competent’ social worker: making sense of a murky concept in practice
- Authors:
- HARRISON Gai, TURNER Rachel
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Social Work, 41(2), March 2011, pp.333-350.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Cultural competence is an important aspect in both health and social care. It is widely researched in the relevant literature, as well as being enshrined in organisational policy and human resources training. However, it is difficult to make sense of what practitioners actually think of such an abstract concept in practice. This article presents findings from interviews conducted with 20 social workers in Queensland, Australia that surveyed their understandings of cultural competence. Overall, the practitioners where behind the idea of cultural competence in practice, while also acknowledging its limitations and ambiguities. They highlighted organisational constraints that frustrated their ability to practise in a culturally responsive manner. The authors concluded that the findings suggest that such an individualised focus detracts attention from the broader system and organisational responses needed to respond appropriately to multicultural clients.
From hegemony to a fusion of horizons: the experiences of the hospital social worker
- Author:
- OLONAN Ryna
- Journal article citation:
- Canadian Social Work Review, 26(2), 2009, pp.125-138.
- Publisher:
- Canadian Association for Social Work Education
This article applies Gramsci’s concept of hegemony to cross-cultural social work practice to examine the experience of the social worker within the confines of the hospital. It argues that, in a world of increasing competition over scarce resources, hospital social workers find themselves easily lost in the shuffle, caught in an existential crisis of sorts. Having been attributed a scope of practice that includes a strong attachment to the notion of cultural competence, they hold onto it tightly for fear of losing validity or positional power in the hospital hierarchy. By pursuing this reductionist form of cross-cultural practice, hospital social workers have merely trapped themselves within the confines of cultural hegemony, merely perpetuating imperialistic notions of power and race relations. Instead, by engaging in a hermeneutic circle of analysis and interaction in partnership with patients, hospital social workers can work towards a ‘fusion of horizons’ that renders cross-cultural practice effective, generating meaningful results for the patient, social worker, health care team, and hospital setting.