What is culture, and why is it important for a social worker to be culturally competent? Think of culture as
specific characteristics, customs, and ideals that govern a group. This is different from individual uniqueness
(such as personality) and universal experiences shared by all people (such as events like birth and death or
emotions like happiness and sadness). To be culturally competent, social workers strive to understand these
distinctions because conflating them may result in cultural insensitivity. For example, attributing aspects of an
individual’s personality to an entire group inaccurately stereotypes a cultural group. On the other hand,
assuming all people should express emotions like grief in a universal manner pathologizes groups who hold
different values and customs toward death.
In this Discussion, you further define culture. Applying the concepts from the resources to explain a culturally
competent practice, you discuss the potential impacts of lack of cultural awareness. Finally, you apply these
concepts through the lens of working with older adults and Asian Americans.
Required Readings:
Sue, D. W., Rasheed, M. N., & Rasheed, J. M. (2016). Multicultural social work practice: A competency based
approach to diversity and social justice (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
• Chapter 3, “Becoming Culturally Competent in Social Work Practice”
• Chapter 14, “Culturally Competent Social Work Practice with Older Adults” (pp. 475–485)
• Chapter 14, “Culturally Competent Social Work Practice with Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders” (pp.
412–420)
Carstensen, L. (2011, December). Older people are happier [Video file]. Retreived from
https://www.ted.com/talks/laura_carstensen_older_people_are_happier
Response to the following: use APA 7th edition citation and references.
• Define culture
• Explain what it means to be a culturally competent social worker
• Describe the potential impact if a social worker is not aware of culture when working with a specific population
Sample Solution