Chapter 14

1. Chapter 14 Profiles of Culturally Competent Care with Women, Sexual Minorities, Elderly Persons, and Those with Disabilities Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)

2. Women • 51% of the population • Underrepresented in math and science • Dominate low-wage, traditionally female tracks (e.g. teachers) • Experience sexual harassment • Teachers promote sexism by calling on boys more often Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)

3. Women • More prone to sexual abuse • Sexual harassment leads to lower job satisfaction, poorer health, depression and anxiety • Unrealistic body shape leads to disordered eating patterns (e.g. bulimia, using laxatives, etc.) • 7 million women have depression • Evaluated on physical beauty • Older women viewed more negatively • Feminist therapy stresses sexist nature of society Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)

4. Social Work Implications—working with Women • Advocate for educational system changes • Expand career choices • Screen for dating abuse • Address influence of societal emphasis on thinness • Explore affective disorders with respect to sexism • Develop self-coping statements • Women may be new moms at 40 • Reassess what a “healthy” woman looks like Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)

5. Sexual Minorities • 4-10% of U.S. population is homosexual • Homosexuality is still considered “abnormal” by some • 1.2 million people are a part of gay and lesbian couples—300% increase since 1990 • Myth—gay couples do not make good parents • GLBT youth at risk for suicide • Experience hate crimes and discrimination Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)

6. Sexual Minorities • Difficult to come to terms with a gay identity • Families may or may not embrace gay family members • Coming-out produces feelings of loss • Ageism exists within the gay community • Higher risk for substance abuse • HIV infections among transgender people is high Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)

7. Social Work Implications—working with Sexual Minorities • Be mindful of heterosexist bias • Understand the impact of bias and discrimination • Internalized homophobia can impact mental health • GBLT couples may experience legal issues with adoption • Provide parenting resources and support • Adolescence is a time of experimentation • Decisions if and/or when to come out should be carefully considered Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)

8. Elderly Persons • Elderly population increasing dramatically • 70 million people aged 65 and over by the year 2030 • Ageism—negative attitudes toward elderly • May suffer from physical impairments • Higher rates of mental illness in nursing homes • Cognitive functioning may or may not be in tact • Over 2 million elderly are abuse or neglected Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)

9. Elderly Persons • 17% adults 60 and older abuse alcohol or prescription drugs • Men--rates of depression for men increase with age and is associated with cardiovascular disease and erectile dysfunction • White men over age 85 are at risk for suicide • Sexual function may or may not be impaired • Minority status with age creates multiple discrimination Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)

10. Social Work Implications—working with Elderly Persons • Be cognizant of age bias • Physical limitations should be considered • Become knowledgeable about Alzheimer's and it’s effects • Families who care for elderly persons carry additional stressors • Create awareness of elder abuse • Assess for depression and suicidality • Sexual functioning should be assessed Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)

11. Persons with Disabilities • 49-54 million people have a disability • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990—prevents discrimination • Attitudes and reactions vary from sympathy to ignorance • Employment discrimination • Higher rates of school drop out • Myths—less capable and drain on the economy Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)

12. Persons with Disabilities • Programs turning toward independent living • Communication, thinking, and relating socially are more important than walking or dressing independently • Many people worry about attractiveness and abilities to perform sexually • Stereotypes and negative attitudes cause barriers Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)

13. Social Work Implications—working with Persons with Disabilities • Address own discomfort with disabled clients by reframing (e.g. “woman with a disability”) • Assist people with gaining employment and asking for special accommodations in educational settings • Become knowledgeable about policies and services • Help individuals with increasing their sense of control • Assist couples with developing sexually satisfying relationships Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)

14. Final Conclusions • You will face challenges in becoming a culturally competent social worker • Seek support from others • Do not let systemic forces get you down • The development of cultural competence is a life long journey—do not get discouraged Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (14)