Culturally Sensitive Social Work Practice With the Target Culture

Social Work

A culturally sensitive model for practice is rooted in various systems approaches, taking into account factors such as family and community structure, worldview, role differentiation, and Hofstede's cultural dimensions. A social ecology framework posits the micro-meso-macro dimensions of social work and its intended effectiveness on these various spheres of influence. When the various inputs are incorporated into a culturally appropriate strategy, the social worker contributes to the overall health of the entire community.

All five of Hofstede's cultural dimensions should be taken into account when developing and implementing a model for social work. The five dimensions are interrelated and interdependent. Moreover, the five dimensions interact at every sphere of influence including the micro, the meso, and the macro levels. For example, power distance will inform the social worker of the hierarchies and social order structures that exist in the community. Culturally sensitive practice requires an understanding of power distance so that appropriate interventions can be offered. Often power distance is related to gender and the dimension of relative masculinity. Using these two cultural dimensions alone, for example, a social worker can craft culturally sensitive interventions for communities, individuals, and families contending with high rates of domestic violence. Other cultural dimensions such as individualism will influence the personal pride of individuals in their health-seeking behaviors, and their tendencies to seek or avoid assistance. Therefore, issues related to stigma and mental health can be taken into account by the social worker. Uncertainty avoidance and long-term orientation are also important factors related to culturally sensitive practice. Some clients might seek absolute answers; whereas others may be more tolerant of ambiguity. Other clients might seek instant solutions vs. acceptance of long-term rewards.

At the micro level of social work, each of these cultural dimensions impacts the immediate relationships between client and practitioner, between client and family, and client and community. Using the example of domestic violence, for instance, a client who is being counseled for domestic violence incidents has a certain cultural identity that has been constructed via cultural inputs like masculinity. At the meso level, social norms and rules governing behavior will play a role in social work. The social worker will learn, for example, that within the African immigrant community from Nigeria, masculinity factors strongly into the social organizations and impacts business and family structures. Finally, the macro dimension solidifies a culturally sensitive practice. Understanding the folklore, worldviews, religion, and macro-level belief systems of the African immigrant community helps to craft culturally appropriate interventions.