Group Work Practice Approaches to Multicultural Group Work

Group Work Practice Approaches to Multicultural Group Work Chapter 5

Developing Cultural Sensitivity • Effective ways of developing cultural sensitivity include: • • • Group leader self-exploration Acquiring knowledge of group member self-identity Social Mapping Group leader aware of and open to cultural differences Awareness of how society views and treats different social and cultural classes

Assessing Cultural Influences • • Cultural backgrounds of group members influence group participation Ask yourself: • • • How does each member relate to other members and to group leader? How does the context in which the group member was born and raised influence behavior within the group? What factors can interfere with worker ability to assess how culture affects member behavior?

Cultural Sensitivity • Several factors can interfere with the process of learning about how cultural background affects members’ behaviour in the group. • • Leader may fail to recognize that cultural differences exist or may diminish their importance Leader may fail to recognize differences among members of the same cultural group by assuming that all members have common behavioral characteristics

Cultural Sensitivity • Attempt to: • • Assess how the backgrounds of group members affect group communication, interaction, cohesion and social control Be sensitive to power dynamics within the group

Sensitive Intervention • There are many ways for group leaders to intervene with sensitivity to issues of diversity in the group 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Using social work values and skills Using a strengths perspective Exploring common and different experiences among members Exploring meaning and language Challenging prejudice and discrimination Advocating for members Empowering members Using culturally appropriate techniques and program activities