Chapter 3 Understanding the Sociopolitical Implications of Oppression in Social Work Practice Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (3)

Ethnocentric Monoculturalism Individual, institutional, and cultural expression of superiority of one group’s cultural heritage over another… combined with… The power to impose those standards on less powerful group Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (3)

Belief in Superiority White Euro-American values/beliefs: “More civilized” Light complexion, blonde hair, blue eyes Christianity Protestant work ethic Capitalism Standard English “White Privilege” Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (3)

Belief in the Inferiority of Others Other groups are pathologized or seen as inferior: Dark skin, black hair, brown eyes Non-Christian Collectivist Present time oriented Bilingualism Nonstandard English Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (3)

Power to Impose Standards White Euro-Americans have the power to impose standards on through organizations and institutions For example, in the workplace—be on time or get fired, speak standard English in in a rational, even tone, etc. Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (3)

Manifestation in Institutions Institutional Racism, Sexism, and Homophobia: Systematically enforcing oppression through unequal treatment, blocking opportunities, etc. Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (3)

Operates on an unconscious level Invisible Veil Operates on an unconscious level Assumes universality: Regardless of race, culture, gender, etc., everyone shares the same reality Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (3)

Effects of Historical and Current Oppression European colonization and cultural genocide of Native Americans “…all men are created equal?” All 56 signatories of the Declaration of Independence were White men Slavery “Melting Pot”—assimilate into one Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (3)

Impact of Ethnocentric Monoculturalism in Helping Relationships “Playing it Cool” - People of color conceal their true feelings to Whites for protection “Uncle Tom Syndrome” - People of color appear docile and nonassertive not to threaten Whites Women may perceive men as sexist unless proved otherwise GLBT individuals may perceive heterosexuals as homophobic unless proved otherwise Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (3)

Credibility, Expertness, and Trustworthiness of Social Workers Constellation of characteristics that makes certain individuals appear Worth of belief Capable Entitled to confidence, Reliable, Trustworthy (i.e. self-disclosure) Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (3)

Expertness and Trustworthiness of Social Workers MSW does not automatically provide expert status behavior expertness is more important (i.e. knowledge about cultural norms and beliefs) Trustworthiness: Encompasses factors such as: sincerity, openness, honesty, or perceived lack of motivation for personal gain Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (3)

Implications for Social Work Practice Marginalized clients may not readily disclose personal information to you—do not pathologize Do not personalize client’s suspicions Monitor your own reactions and questions beliefs Marginalized groups may consider your MSW, DSW, CSW insufficient Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (3)