Respond to at least two colleagues by expanding on their discussion of cultural competence in family work, particularly as it relates to multicultural families. Refer to the NASW Code of Ethics in your response.
Use the Learning Resources to support your posts. Make sure to provide APA citations and a reference list.
1-EMMA-
Explain the ways in which cultural messages influence family help-seeking patterns. Based on the Garcia-Lowe case study, describe how a family’s ethnic identification might impact its multisystem transactions.
This couple is 19 and 23, and they have a baby girl. Van Hook explains how a family’s ethnic identification can cause risk factors but also be a benefit in certain situations (Van Hook, 2019). Joseph is a family man and losing his job and not being able to support the family takes a toll on his mental well-being. His culture has taught him to be a provider. Due to feeling shame, Joseph may choose to suffer on his own and may be less likely to seek professional help due to shame or embarrassment (Walden University, 2022). If he does choose to reach out to a professional, he is more likely to work with someone with a similar background, as people are drawn to those who respect and understand their culture. Regardless of the therapist’s ethnicity, it is important to show respect and cultural competency.
Finally, explain why understanding dimensions of ethnic identity is important for a social worker engaging with families.
Cultural competency is a key component in the NASW, which means to show respect towards others ethnic beliefs and to not discriminate. It is important for social workers to show consideration and knowledge of other ethnic backgrounds and to learn about them to continue to be competent. If a client feels unaccepted or judged, it will ruin the therapeutic relationship and make it difficult for them to open up, and they may forgo treatment altogether. Understanding ethnic identity will also help a social worker understand the decisions of their clients, as culture often influences our behaviors (NASW, 2021).
National Association of Social Workers. (2021). Code of ethics of the National Association of Social WorkersLinks to an external site.. https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English Links to an external site.
Van Hook, M. P. (2019). Cultural issues, family structure, and resiliency. Download Cultural issues, family structure, and resiliency.In Social work practice with families: A resiliency-based approach (3rd ed., pp. 107–151). Oxford University Press.
Walden University, LLC. (2022). Social work case studiesLinks to an external site. [Interactive media]. Walden University Canvas. https://waldenu.instructure.com
2-MIRANDA-
Explain the ways in which cultural messages influence family help-seeking patterns. Based on the Garcia-Lowe case study, describe how a family’s ethnic identification might impact its multisystem transactions. Finally, explain why understanding dimensions of ethnic identity is important for a social worker engaging with families.
Cultural messages play a significant role in shaping how families decide whether to seek help. These messages, rooted in family traditions, values, and beliefs, influence how individuals perceive mental health, social services, and external support systems. In some cases, cultural norms emphasize self-reliance, which can create barriers to seeking assistance. Conversely, other cultural values may prioritize familial unity and mutual support, which can encourage engagement with resources (Van Hook, 2019).
In the Garcia-Lowe case, cultural factors heavily influence the family’s interactions with social services. Joseph’s Hispanic heritage emphasizes the belief that “family takes care of family.” This value fosters closeness and support within the family but may also contribute to Joseph’s hesitancy to trust external help, particularly given his longstanding distrust of healthcare following the loss of his mother. This distrust could limit his willingness to fully engage with services intended to benefit the family.
Carol’s family dynamics are similarly impacted by cultural influences. Her mother, Ruth, has expressed concerns about Carol’s drinking, which may reflect generational or cultural values that prioritize responsibility and disapprove of substance use. This conflict between Carol and Ruth exacerbates existing tensions, making it more challenging for the family to collaborate effectively.
For social workers, understanding the cultural identities and values that shape family dynamics is essential (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). For instance, recognizing Joseph’s strong sense of family loyalty allows the social worker to tailor interventions that align with his values, such as involving him in decisions about his child’s care. By demonstrating cultural sensitivity and respect, social workers can build trust with the family and propose solutions that feel more accessible and acceptable.
References
Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Pearson.