Transcript Transparencies for Multicultural Social Work Practice

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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49-54 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
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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
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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)