Intersectionality and Culturally Competent Practice: Foundations of Social Work

Social work is a profession that is committed to social justice and the well-being of all individuals and communities. In order to provide effective and equitable services, social workers must be aware of and responsive to the diversity of experiences and perspectives that people bring with them. Intersectionality and culturally competent practice are two important frameworks that can help social workers to understand and address the unique needs of individuals and communities.

Intersectionality is a theory that examines the ways in which different forms of oppression and discrimination intersect and overlap to create unique experiences for individuals and groups. For example, a Black woman may experience discrimination based on her race, her gender, and her socioeconomic status. These forms of discrimination can intersect to create a unique set of challenges that a White man may not experience.

Culturally competent practice is a set of principles and strategies that social workers can use to provide services that are sensitive to the cultural values, beliefs, and practices of the people they serve. Culturally competent practice involves understanding the cultural context of individuals and communities, and adapting services to meet their unique needs.

The Importance of Intersectionality

Intersectionality is important for social work because it helps social workers to understand the complex ways in which different forms of oppression and discrimination can impact individuals and communities. By understanding the intersectionality of oppression, social workers can provide more effective and equitable services.

For example, a social worker who is working with a homeless family may need to understand the ways in which racism, sexism, and poverty intersect to create unique challenges for the family. The social worker can then use this understanding to develop a plan that addresses the family's unique needs.

The Principles of Culturally Competent Practice

Culturally competent practice is based on the following principles:

• Respect for diversity: Social workers must respect the diversity of cultures and perspectives that exist in the world.
• Cultural humility: Social workers must be humble about their own cultural knowledge and experiences, and they must be willing to learn from the people they serve.
• Cultural sensitivity: Social workers must be aware of the cultural values, beliefs, and practices of the people they serve, and they must adapt their services to meet their unique needs.
• Empowerment: Social workers must empower the people they serve to make decisions about their own lives and to achieve their own goals.

Strategies for Culturally Competent Practice

There are a number of strategies that social workers can use to provide culturally competent services. These strategies include:

• Developing cultural competence knowledge and skills: Social workers can develop their cultural competence by taking courses, attending workshops, and reading books and articles about different cultures.
• Seeking out opportunities to interact with people from different cultures: Social workers can gain valuable experience by interacting with people from different cultures in their personal and professional lives.
• Engaging in ongoing self-reflection: Social workers can improve their cultural competence by reflecting on their own cultural values, beliefs, and practices, and by being open to feedback from others.

Intersectionality and culturally competent practice are essential frameworks for social workers who are committed to providing effective and equitable services. By understanding the intersectionality of oppression and discrimination, and by using culturally competent practice strategies, social workers can create a more just and equitable world for all.

References

• Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the intersection of race and gender. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 1989, 139-167.
• Cross, T. L., Bazron, B. J., Dennis, K. W., & Isaacs, M. R. (1989). Towards a culturally competent system of care. Child Welfare, 68(3),333-344.
• Sue, D. W., Arredondo, P., & McDavis, R. J. (1992). Multicultural counseling competencies. Journal of Counseling & Development, 70(2),151-157.