Chapter 14 Profiles of Culturally Competent Care with Women, Sexual Minorities, Elderly Persons, and Those with Disabilities Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)

Women 51% of the population Underrepresented in math and science Dominate low-wage, traditionally female tracks (e.g. teachers) Experience sexual harassment Teachers promote sexism by calling on boys more often Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)

Women More prone to sexual abuse Sexual harassment leads to lower job satisfaction, poorer health, depression and anxiety Unrealistic body shape leads to disordered eating patterns (e.g. bulimia, using laxatives, etc.) 7 million women have depression Evaluated on physical beauty Older women viewed more negatively Feminist therapy stresses sexist nature of society Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)

Social Work Implications—working with Women Advocate for educational system changes Expand career choices Screen for dating abuse Address influence of societal emphasis on thinness Explore affective disorders with respect to sexism Develop self-coping statements Women may be new moms at 40 Reassess what a “healthy” woman looks like Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)

Sexual Minorities 4-10% of U.S. population is homosexual Homosexuality is still considered “abnormal” by some 1.2 million people are a part of gay and lesbian couples—300% increase since 1990 Myth—gay couples do not make good parents GLBT youth at risk for suicide Experience hate crimes and discrimination Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)

Sexual Minorities Difficult to come to terms with a gay identity Families may or may not embrace gay family members Coming-out produces feelings of loss Ageism exists within the gay community Higher risk for substance abuse HIV infections among transgender people is high Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)

Social Work Implications—working with Sexual Minorities Be mindful of heterosexist bias Understand the impact of bias and discrimination Internalized homophobia can impact mental health GBLT couples may experience legal issues with adoption Provide parenting resources and support Adolescence is a time of experimentation Decisions if and/or when to come out should be carefully considered Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)

Elderly Persons Elderly population increasing dramatically 70 million people aged 65 and over by the year 2030 Ageism—negative attitudes toward elderly May suffer from physical impairments Higher rates of mental illness in nursing homes Cognitive functioning may or may not be in tact Over 2 million elderly are abuse or neglected Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)

Elderly Persons 17% adults 60 and older abuse alcohol or prescription drugs Men--rates of depression for men increase with age and is associated with cardiovascular disease and erectile dysfunction White men over age 85 are at risk for suicide Sexual function may or may not be impaired Minority status with age creates multiple discrimination Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)

Social Work Implications—working with Elderly Persons Be cognizant of age bias Physical limitations should be considered Become knowledgeable about Alzheimer's and it’s effects Families who care for elderly persons carry additional stressors Create awareness of elder abuse Assess for depression and suicidality Sexual functioning should be assessed Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)

Persons with Disabilities million people have a disability Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990—prevents discrimination Attitudes and reactions vary from sympathy to ignorance Employment discrimination Higher rates of school drop out Myths—less capable and drain on the economy Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)

Persons with Disabilities Programs turning toward independent living Communication, thinking, and relating socially are more important than walking or dressing independently Many people worry about attractiveness and abilities to perform sexually Stereotypes and negative attitudes cause barriers Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)

Social Work Implications—working with Persons with Disabilities Address own discomfort with disabled clients by reframing (e.g. “woman with a disability”) Assist people with gaining employment and asking for special accommodations in educational settings Become knowledgeable about policies and services Help individuals with increasing their sense of control Assist couples with developing sexually satisfying relationships Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)

Final Conclusions You will face challenges in becoming a culturally competent social worker Seek support from others Do not let systemic forces get you down The development of cultural competence is a life long journey—do not get discouraged Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)