Cultural Diversity and Cultural Competency Affects Community Service Work



Cultural Diversity and Cultural Competency Affects Community Service Work

Introduction

In this paper we will be discussing the history of social work in Canada. Further in the discussion section we will discuss many factors such as: Political, economic, social aspect of gender, religion, socio economic, ethnic culture, and education. Cultural diversity is thus linked to affirmative action that addresses social justice issues and recognizes the contribution to the science of cultural differences, hoping to capitalize socially implications of these have differences (Norton, 1978). For example, in the field of psychology, interest in resilience-ability of some individuals to live, develop positively and emerge stronger despite the difficult living conditions-supported arises from studies in ethnic minorities and / or culturally oppressed. The processes and adaptation strategies through which these individuals manage not to succumb, has been included in training programs for individuals who pass or may pass through similar situations. 

Discussion

The "Cultural Competence" brings together all the previous stages - and adds operational effectiveness. A culturally competent organization has the ability to incorporate into his system many behaviors, attitudes and different policies, and work effectively in cross-cultural environments, to produce better results. Cultural competence is not intimidating, as it recognizes and validates individuals. Since becoming culturally competent is focused on "how to" align policies and practices through goals, everyone is involved in the process (National Association of Social Workers, 2000b). There is an extensive line of thought at various levels-states, federal, in the university, in the professional associations, consumer associations on the effective and efficient basic services to minority public.

The conceptualization of diversity in all its facets and aspects, especially on the management of the cultural diversity affects community service work. As the diversity of societies grows, it reveals the complexity of the many factors and elements that shape it. Traditionally diversity has referring to gender, disability, age, socioeconomic status, religion and location. Currently, joining them, the speeches of diversity put the emphasis on cultural cues and elements derived from them: languages, customs, beliefs, and ways of life. Culture influences how people perceive and interact with the environment. Influence in their decisions to access basic services-education, health and services social-, the type of assistance requested and / or accepted, the preferred methods, supports social inquiry, their perception of their own needs, possibilities, resources and how they are valued. Factors that affect access and acceptance of basic services, there are a number of important factors related to cultural diversity may affect access and therefore the use of services by persons of minorities, especially the following (National Association of Social Workers, 2000a):

Differences in language and language use in society stay.

The diversity of cultural values ??and beliefs related to Aspects fundamentals such as illness, healing, education, family counseling, learning, equality;

Socioeconomic status and the perception people have of it;

Distrust of government programs and to professionals of public services;

The refusal of services by the different evaluation of them;

Resistance to seek guidance or assistance by the bureaucratic consequences that can lead social and;

The different ...