Black Feminism & Cultural Competence

1. Black Feminism& Cultural Competence Kim Weingarten February 9, 2009

2. Objectives • Become familiar with the concept of black feminism • Develop a deeper understanding of the importance of cultural competence within social work practice

3. First, a look at the basics…. • Racism • Sexism • Feminism

4. Racism… • A belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race

5. Sexism… • Prejudice or discrimination based on sex; especially discrimination against women

6. Feminism… • The theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes

7. So then what is Black Feminism?

8. History of Black Feminism In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, black women were being oppressed: • Sexually: Black Liberation Movement/Civil Rights Movement • Racially: Women’s Movement

9. The Black Liberation Movement/Civil Rights Movement • Liberation of the black race = liberation of the black male • Sexual discrimination & control • Disregard for humanity and equality of black women

10. The Feminist Movement • There existed a disregard for black women and a denial of racism • Largely defined by the experiences of white, middle class women

11. The Creation of the Black Feminist Movement • Proved to be a difficult task: • Widespread stigma associated with the word “feminism” • Common reservations, as identified by Barbara Smith

12. Reasons for the hesitation… • Many believed the black woman was already liberated • More of a focus on oppression that related to race, not sex • Myths surrounding feminism: man-hating, lesbians, etc.

13. Not all hesitated, however… In 1973, the Black Feminist Movement was born.

14. What were the areas of interest? • Reproductive Rights • Equal Access to Abortion • Health Care • Child Care • The rights of the disabled • Violence Against Women • Sexual Harassment • Welfare Rights • Police Brutality • Labor Organizing

15. Some of the big players… • National Black Feminist Organization • Combahee River Collective

16. Womanist “Womanist is to feminist as purple is to lavender”.

17. Black Feminism…where is it today? • Successful in some areas, not all. • Changes in the women’s movement • Acknowledgement from Universities and Colleges • Less effective in the black community

18. So how does all of this relate to social work? Ah yes, cultural competence…

19. What is culture? Culture implies the integrated pattern of human behavior that includes thoughts, communications, actions, customs, beliefs, values, and institutions of a racial, ethnic, religious, or social group.

20. Cultural competenceis a set of congruent behaviors, attitudes, and policies that come together in a system or agency or among professionals and enable the system, agency, or professionals to work effectively in cross-cultural situations.

21. Cultural competence requires social workers to recognize the strengths that exist in all cultures.

22. Cross-Cultural Knowledge Social workers shall have and continue to develop specialized knowledge and understanding about the history, traditions, values, family systems, and artistic expressions of major client groups served.

23. Cultural Competence at the Systems Level • Value Diversity • Capacity for Cultural Self-Assessment • Consciousness of dynamics between cultures when they interact • Institutionalize cultural knowledge • Develop programs and services that reflect points 1-4

24. QUIZ TIME….

25. References But some of us are strong: a history of black feminism in the United States. The Thistle: Alternative News Collective, 9.01. National Association of Social Workers. (2007). Indicators for the achievement of the NASW standards for cultural competence in social work practice. Washington, DC: Author. National Association of Social Workers. Cultural Competence in the Social Work Profession. In Social Work Speaks: NASW Policy Statements 2000-2003 (5th ed). Washington, DC: Author. National Black Feminist Organization (1975). National Black Feminist Organization Collection: An inventory of its records at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Retrieved February 8, 2009, from file:///F:/Black%20Feminism/NBFO%20page.htm Snyder, B. (2005). The welfare of feminism: struggle in the midst of reform. Twin Cities, Minnesota: University of Minnesota, Center on Women and Public Policy.