Program Matters: Whose Values Should Prevail?

By Senior Director of Programs and Operations, Jeannine Short

 

A primary tenet of social work case management practice is cultural competence—the ability to interact effectively with people of different cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds.  The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) expands this principle to include the elements of self-identification and self-awareness;  and suggest that such is fundamental to recognizing and addressing how one’s own cultural values, beliefs, biases, experiences, and practices affect interactions with clients. They state “the social worker who practices such self-assessment can then recognize how cultural identity, in its multifaceted expressions, is central to the resilience of the individuals, families, and communities with whom [they] interact” (NASW, 2013, p. 29). What this implies is that where personal values conflict with those of the client, the propensity for ineffective (if not harmful) relationships is intensified.

 

To exemplify this point, Community LINC has seen a significant increase in the number of two-parent families entering the program. Of note, however, is that in many of these family systems, the “wife” has historically assumed primary financial responsibility. Consequently, it is she who demonstrates the fortitude and tenacity in utilizing the employment services component of our program to secure employment.  While this may be consistent with the values of these families, it may prove troublesome for the social work case manager whose personal values hold that such responsibility should be shared at the very least.  What results then is the question of whether or not failure on the “husbands” part to seek employment should affect the family’s successful completion of the program, or should acknowledgment of the family’s value system determine such? Perhaps NASW (2013) provides the answer:

 

The social work case manager needs to appreciate and affirm client’s cultural values, beliefs, and practices, especially the ways in which culture influences perceptions and practices related to… definitions of family, family communication patterns… and decision-making related to education, employment, financial or legal matters, health care, and housing. (p. 29)

 

Reference: National Association of Social Workers (2013): NASW Standards for Social Work Case Management