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

2. 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)

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)

4. 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)

5. 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)

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

7. 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)

8. 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)

9. 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)

10. 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)

11. 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)

12. 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)