Original Post

The authors of the course textbook state that “the single most important factors in working with ethnic diversity… (Is) values.” In a 250-300 word post, discuss the role values play in working with ethnic diversity and how can the Family Systems frame assist in overcoming misperceptions? Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts.

Guidance, please respond to 3 classmates below 100 words each:

Classmate # 1 Joyce Reese

Hi, Penny. As you mentioned, values are the key to having a solid working relationship. Clients will come with an assortment of values that may not match those of the human service worker. Establishing a good rapport with the client may require asking questions to learn what values are upheld by the client. Clients may not reveal much about their values and may assume that their values would never be understood by an “outsider”. Embracing ethnic diversity will help establish mutual respect. If the client feels respected he/she may be more open about sharing information. If he/she feels that their values are important to others, more can be accomplished and myths on both sides can be dispelled. It should not be assumed that clients maintain any particular traditions or norms simply because of their ethnicity. This is how stereotypical ideas are formed because of assumptions. The best way to understand the person is to ask. Not all family members will be the same and dysfunctional behavior will exist. The best way to overcome obstacles is to be sensitive, open and genuine in forging a positive relationship with the client.

Classmate # 2 Emily Williamson

• Week Two: Discussion 1Ethnic Diversity may affect social norm groups. People may adjust their values because they want others to like who they are. Every human being is different in their way and should be treated with respect. Health care workers have to be sensitive to their patients, culture, values, and beliefs. One person’s values may not align with the next individuals, but that does not mean they have to be cruel to one another. Human service workers must understand what needs to be done when working with people from different backgrounds for the practice to be effective (Levine, 2013). African Americans have dealt with diversity issues for many years, and you would think that things would be different in 2020, but that’s not happening. The family systems frame would be a significant way to come together and address diversity and value issues so that everyone can come together, no matter the color of their skin, where they live, and their education level.Healthcare workers may have their own cultural beliefs and values that were instilled in them when they were younger that they have to put to the back of their mind when assisting others. Doing so may not be easy, but that is one thing that comes with the job. People pay attention to their providers, leaders in their city, and other people in the community and may change their values to agree with theirs even if they are wrong. Positivity is needed to make changes within ourselves and others. Everyone is different and should not be mistreated because they are different from you or others.ReferenceLevine, J. (2013). Working with People: The Helping Process (9th ed.). Retrieved from https://redshelf.com/ ReplyReply to Comment

• COLLAPSE SUBDISCUSSIONEmily Williamson

  Values“The single most important factors in working with diversity… (is) values” (Levine, 2013).Ethnic diversity is the central concept of the social work profession; respect for diversity is defining the mission of service and social work. “The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppresses, and living in poverty” (NASW, 2013).What role do values play in working with ethnic diversity?Humanness is the only similarity which we each share. We must recognize that human diversity exists. For a service worker to provide the best services, care, and appreciation for a person, they must respect their ethnic culture from the client’s perspective. In my life, my grandmother has raised me, so I automatically give the utmost respect to my elders. What if my client does not? I should not alter the service I provide due to the role that elders play in my client’s life. “Some people and groups are different from other people and groups by virtue of their history and their life experiences, that these differences can be expressed in ways unique to a particular group, and that [the] expression [must] be understood and considered objectively” (Levine, 2013, p. 65). Most predominant in role development is the impact of family. As a social and service worker, it is imperative that we “assess the importance of ethnicity to families and clients” (Leveine, 2013, p. 76).With sensitivity regarding differences in culture, the service worker will employ knowledge and essential value to caring for their clients. Respecting a client can immediately release the apprehension of alienation, and in doing so, the client will have more willingness to participate or receive services overall. Once the client understands your firm standing, you can begin to learn more about how they perceive the world, how they find their value in it, and where their value comes from. How can the Family Systems frame assist in overcoming misperceptions?As service workers, we will not develop an intimate or specialized personal relationship with our client. The best action we can take is to understand the client’s family system frame, determine their traditional commitments, their family values, and their commitment to upholding those values. Our clients utilize self-worth and self-fulfillment when appropriately responding and performing the best to their beliefs. “The goal of strategic family therapy is to replace dysfunctional patterns for successful ones” (Levine, 2013, p. 75). Family values and roles are playing a “major role in transmitting the shared ancestry, values, and customs, which define ethnicity” (Levine, 2013, p.76).References:Levine, J. (2013). Working with people: the helping process. (9th Ed). [Electronic Version]. Retrieved from: https://redshelf.comNational Association of Social Workers. (2013). Code of ethics. Retrieved from: https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of…

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  ThursdayMay 21 at 4:45pmManage Discussion Entry

Classmate # 3 Labrya Wardlow

Hello,

• Values play significant in the role we play among working with ethnic diversity. First to start, our values are determined by with what we find important or worthy of. How we are raised is what I believe initiates our values. For example if you value your family you are more likely to be supportive and more understanding to individuals with families or children. Having values in our life also allows us to see that not every individual has the same set of values. These set of values are what make us different from the next, which will make for understanding diversity. I also believe that our culture makes a huge significance in what we deem as our value. Values may differ by culture. Understanding our differences helps to better work with others or in ethnic diverse settings.
• Family systems can assist in overcoming misconceptions in numerous of ways. First according to the text (Levine, 2013) families are like systems, and are ones that can be characterized by intimate and specialized relationships. Our family system is what makes us different from another. For this reason I believe it can help avoid misconception by being mindful that we are not all alike. Another helpful tip would be to be aware of our own limitations and avoid stereotyping or judging of other ethnic groups or cultures. Not only does being aware of your own family system helpful and needed but it allows for better working with others outside of your own ethnic group.

Levine, J. (2013). Working with People: The Helping Process (9th ed.). Retrieved from https://redshelf.com/ (Links to an external site.)

LW 4/21/2020