Discuss the concepts of cultural competence and cultural humility. How are they similar? How do they differ? In your discussion, talk about why you believe each term is an important quality for you to possess as a future social work professional.
Next, select two distinct marginalized groups (people of color, people in poverty, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, the elderly, immigrants, etc.). Using the Stages of Cultural Understanding (see below), discuss separately about how each group could potentially be impacted by the influence of a social worker. Please provide examples and be specific.
Stages of Cultural Understanding – Segal (p. 142 – 143)
Cultural destructiveness- worker holds attitudes, policies, and practice that destroy cultures
Cultural incapacity – worker believes in the superiority of dominate groups, doesn’t support nondominant groups, and engages in discrimination
Cultural blindness – worker believes there are no differences between people and tends to reflect the view of the dominant group as universal
Cultural pre-competence – worker begins to respect other cultures and demonstrates this respect through action but believes this is good enough
Cultural competence – worker accepts and respects difference while continually expanding cultural knowledge and resources. Also, actively pursues engagement with nondominated group members.
Cultural proficiency – worker esteems other cultures, engages in research and outreach to build cultural knowledge and specializes in culturally competent practice.