Week 1: Cultural Diversity

The term ‘culture’ includes so many aspects such as language, values, traditions, beliefs and customs. The history of a community reflects their culture, heritage and inn heritage the ways of expressing ideas get reflected. Cultural humility is a concept which maintains and interpersonal attitude which is open to other related to cultural identity (Banks, 2015).  It is different from other ideals because it focuses on the self-humiliation rather than self-awareness. On the other hand, cultural responsiveness describes the ability and awareness of responding instantly to the general wellness issues of other cultures. In order to become culturally responsive, one needs to become respectful towards the beliefs, values and traditions of other cultures.

It has been found that cultural humility is a serious issue which requires deeper exploration. In the article titled as “Cultural Humility: Measuring Openness to Culturally Diverse Clients” the authors have provided a detailed description of cultural humility relating it with multicultural focus on openness to other people (Hook et al., 2013). The article further highlights that those therapists who cannot create a therapeutic environment for diverse cultured clients may find it difficult to work smoothly. According to my observations Cultural humility helps the most to counteract and control weakness in alliance caused by cultural diversity.

Psychodynamic theory in this respect is the most relatable with the concept of social diversity and cultural humiliation. Sigmund Freud has originated this personality theory which has a complex and long history in social work and the social workers have been using it since ages. It is a kind of theory which explains human motivation and behavior in terms both of unconscious and conscious forces and the interplay between these (Hutchinson & Oltedal, 2014). Psychoanalytic contributions need to be acknowledged by the social workers for understanding the therapeutic process.

The cultural diversity in organizations sometimes creates barriers for business operations. People belonging to various geographical locations, with different language, appearance, race and mindset come together and work where cultural humility is the most needed (Suedekum, Wolf & Blien, 2014). In this professional context if the multicultural competencies can be developed within the environment, the workers and subsequently the organization will be benefitted in increasing a respectful atmosphere and productivity respectively. Workplace diversity directly or indirectly impacts all as they get disturbed if not respected by others and do not feel motivated or attached towards work.

Hence, drawing on the issue described in the mentioned article cultural humility can be seen as a reliable and valid measure to cultural diversity caused difficulties. Although multicultural competencies which involve self – awareness, skill and knowledge are effective, the article has conceptualized that cultural humility is an ethical virtue that enables to establish an interpersonal stance and see other cultures as superior.

Week 2: Racism, Racialization And Social Darwinism

Therefore, it is apparent from the above discussion that cultural humility is an aspect of cultural diversity issues which teaches to perceive the superiority of other cultures. The relation between a therapist and the client has been taken as a discussion field in the selected article. Apart from this, cultural humility reducing the cultural diversity based issues in organizational context has also been discussed. The ultimate conclusion can be drawn that cultural humility should be developed within everyone. It can be developed by developing multicultural competencies.

Racism is a specific ideology by which other ethnic group and racial myths are given particular expression. According to such myths certain groups in society are born to be devalued and rendered inferior which cause them suffer from cultural, social and power inequalities. In sociology, on the other hand racialization is the method by which a racial identity is scribed in social practice or on a particular community which itself was unaware of this racial difference or identity (Winant, 2015). The main purpose of racialization is the intention of continuous domination over the dominated group. Another concept is closely related with these topics that is social Darwinism. It is a theory by which it is indicated that all human beings are subject to the law of natural selection as propounded by Charles Darwin (Kaye, 2017). Social Darwinism says that human beings are ruled by ‘struggle for existence’ where ‘survival of the fittest’ is inevitable (Butler, 2016).

In the article titled as Racism, disadvantage and multiculturalism: towards effective anti-racist praxis the authors argue that the terms ‘racism’ and ‘anti-racism’ hamper extremely the multicultural practice of the modern society. The paper promotes anti –racism which eradicates unequal distribution of opportunities (Berman & Paradies, 2010). Taking Australia as a case study, the article shows that anti-racism policies are necessary when multiculturalism focuses on installing diversity and eradicate racism. I have well understood that anti-racial praxis which concentrates on broader community behaviors can one day bring equality of opportunity in nation-states.

Symbolic interaction theory is one of the most significant input to the sociological viewpoint and applicable to the concept of racism. Herbert Blumer in his book Symbolic Interactionism in 1937 outlined this approach to examining the social world. This theory can be applied to examine and analyze social interactions that one is a part of and that one experience in everyday lives(Hutchinson & Oltedal, 2014). For instance, it is an advantageous tool to understand how social interactions are shaped by race and gender.

Week 3: Australia’ Cultural Diversity and immigration policy programs

Racism can also be seen in educational institutes especially in the United States and affects the students belonging to a special community of the country.  In schools the teachers are often seen to be interacting with students in a different manners based on their racial category (Forrest, Lean & Dunn, 2016). The discrimination can be perceived in terms of funding, educational access, educational support and preparedness (Schachnerb et al., 2016). The school discipline is also sometimes seen to be hard on the non-whites. In this respect the education systems can take the initiative to eradicate this learned behavior called racism by proper efforts, action and education. This is an example that reverberates the above mentioned article’s discussion in a different manner.

Therefore, from the above discussion it can be said that racism is nothing but the man-made ascription of certain qualities on a particular group weaker people (in economic, educational and technological terms) to prevail the era of domination over them. Imperialism is highly related to the concept of racism because it is where this attribution started from. In this respect as the article said it is necessary to develop anti –racial activities and mindset to uproot the unequal distribution of opportunities which is the primary effect of racism.

Australia is a country that takes pride of holding an extremely unique history of its inhabitants and their culture.  The demographic creation of Australia is caused by three primary elements namely their indigenous population, the British colonization and the immigration of diverse cultures (Kamp et al., 2017). It is a multicultural nation that considers it to be the reason behind their rich cultural diversity.  Although Australia encourages multiculturalism The White Australia Policy is a set of multiple historical policies that prevented the immigration of non-European people effectively. In the year 1966 this policy finally got dismantled and allowed the non-European migrants (Kamp et al., 2017).

The article titled as Racism, disadvantage and multiculturalism: towards effective anti-racist praxis shows that there is still a significant amount of racial prejudice prevalent in Australia. Based on a survey the article informs that there is lack of anti-racism strategies and almost 84% of the respondents agree that racism is a form of hostility against diversity (Berman & Paradies, 2010). The article also shows that even though Australia embraces multiculturalism, it is not free of such problems which restricts social cohesion. I have got insight into the Anti- racist praxis which focuses mainly on the equality concerns and voices the implementation of effective anti –racial strategies in Australia.

The learning theory in association with this topic explains that human behavior is learned through imitation and observation. The theory originated in the year 1977 by psychologist Albert Bandura. According to the theory, in the learning process new behaviors that are reinforced through other people are observed and experienced (Hutchinson & Oltedal, 2014). A social worker who knows social learning theory can make good use of practice models to manage behavioral conflicts due to cultural diversity in any setting whether in counseling people suffering with mental illness or whether it’s teaching in a high school

In the Australian context cultural diversity is seen to be crucial in the medical field and hampers the atmosphere highly grounded on different religious beliefs, language differences and diverse cultural backgrounds which generates prejudice and affects the consistency of care for the patients (Crawford, Candlin & Roger, 2017). The hospitals are trying their best to develop diversity in their leadership team, staffs and board to establish a culture of fraternity, acceptance, and care and respect which are few of the primary bricks of cultural empathy and sensitivity.

Regarding this issue, the healthcare organizations and hospitals should work together and concentrate on the quality of the treatment they are providing. The treatment must address the cultural differences of the patients. They should be treated irrespective of their geographical, cultural, and sociological origins. The above mentioned article also voices the same issue, the adoption and implementation of strategies which promote anti-racism and accept all. The color constraints should be ignored to see every patient as only patients to be served and cared, not judged by their races because ‘race’ is biological but ‘racism’ is completely social and political made by human.

Therefore, from the above discussion it is well understood that although Australia boasts of their multicultural environment and diverse immigrants who enrich the culture of the nation, there are still some prejudices which are based on race and culture. These prejudices are sometime unseen but are prevalent and can encourage racial oppression. Hence, it is necessary to develop anti-racial praxis which promotes anti-racial treatment.

In the later part of the Second World War Australia opened its doors for immigration because the country was in great need of population due to defense purposes. The White Australia policy installed by the Immigration Restriction Act of 1901 had restricted the immigration of non-European people into Australia which was responsible for the extremely racial mindset of the Australian people (Griffiths, Russell & Roberts, 2017). After the Second World War took huge toll on the nation, this policy finally got abolished by the government to welcome huge population to stand beside in the hours of distress.

The article titled as Geography and Population in Australia: Historical Perspective discusses and surveys Australia’s population and immigration since the European settlement. The article argues Australia is great need of developing a holistic, coherent and sustainable population policy (HUGO, 2011). Further information is given that immigration was an important instrument for population growth in the late 19^th century people from Great Britain and Ireland migrated the most. It highlights that the Australian immigration policy witnesses many changes such as the introduction of a separate Ministry, the establishment of an Immigration Advisory policy. I have observed that such huge rates of immigration gave rise to the collision of different philosophies in the land of Australia. I have realized from the discussion that in order to align the environment and population, sustainable population policies are highly required as proposed by the authors of the article.

Conflict theory in this field helps explains how power disparities influence people’s lives. There is an unequal distribution of power in every society, and all societies experience various forms of injustice and oppression caused by structural inequality in racial discrimination and wealth gaps (Hutchinson & Oltedal, 2014). It is the nature of human society to prioritize the personal needs over the needs of others. The social workers therefore focus to even these asymmetric power relationships to reduce grievances between persons and groups.

Social/group cohesion is another ways that eradicates marginalization and exclusion, promotes faith, and gives opportunity to all the members to rise upwards from lower to higher social position. The social/ group cohesion ethics when maintained in an organization can strengthen the society culture in many ways. The members of the organizations are held together in a coherent manner which develops the work environment and removes cultural diversity issues.

The group cohesiveness in an organization can be developed by interpersonal attraction, openness to new people and culture, group pride, trust and bond among the members. People should find out the common factors with the other people rather than finding the differences and disrespect them for that (Levi, 2015). Everyone in the organization should be welcoming a migrant who is culturally different and accept him/her to grow cohesion among them what the above article supported too.

Therefore, from the above discussion Australian history of immigration is known, how the country welcomed migrants and how the white Australia policy abolished allowing multiculturalism in the country. Although the high population of Australia can be a threat to social cohesion, the problem can be resolved by maintaining the social cohesion strategies and policies.

 The term nationalism is defined as a sense of loyalty, and devotion to one’s motherland. Although the meaning of the term is quite simple the concept of nationalism in Australia is ever-changing and comparatively different (Gilbert, 2018). The Australian nationalism has probably emerged in the 19^th century. Since that time, the concept has evolved a good deal and has reshaped Australia’s national identity. After the colonization of Australia by Britain, for some times it was thought that Australian nationalism means British nationalism. The distinction between the Australian nationalism and British nationalism emerged in the 19^th century supported by the national pride of the Australian –born pride and independence of the colonial governments (ex – WA. Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland) (HUGO, 2011).

The article who is ‘Us’? Students Negotiating Discourses of Racism and National Identification in Australia explores the political beliefs of national identity developed by young Australian men and women belonging to a variety of class and backgrounds. The article also highlights how cultural racism is in relation with the identity positioning of young people. The difference of ‘us’ and ‘them’ among the younger generation of Australia has also been explored along with the concept of ‘identity’ and ‘otherness’ (McLeod & Yates,2003).The findings of the article highly support that political discourses are intensely related with the identity positioning of a person. After going through the article properly I have gathered knowledge regarding what is nationalism and what are the conditions of Australia’s national identity which can also cause diversity.

Systems theory regarding this topic indicates that behavior is driven by a variety of factors which function together as a system. A person’s economic class, parents, friends, home environment and other factors all determine how a person behaves and contemplates. The individual behavior becomes positive if the inappropriate parts of the system is corrected. In systems theory, a social worker has to observe and analyze all of the systems and give effort to strengthen those systems (Hutchinson & Oltedal, 2014). This may take the form of providing therapy or positive role models to establish more supportive system for the individuals.

National identity binds all together. These identities may consist of pride in a nuclear family, pride in a city, pride in a religion, pride in an extended family, pride in a state as well as pride in their nation (Charnysh, Lucas & Singh, 2015). This is what has enabled countries like China and Switzerland to maintain a holistic bond in the multicultural environment having the highest rates of cultural and linguistic differences (Borden, 2016).

Therefore, it is necessary to have a particular national identity among the citizens of a country as it increases their sense of belongingness and patriotism. When a group of people suffer from cultural, traditional, social differences, the feeling of nationalism connects them together. The national identity developed among the members of a nation, helps to reframe a better society avoiding the social and cultural diversity lead barriers.

Reference  

Banks, J. A. (2015). Cultural diversity and education. Routledge.

Berman, G., & Paradies, Y. (2010). Racism, disadvantage and multiculturalism: towards effective anti-racist praxis. Ethnic And Racial Studies, 33(2), 214-232. doi: 10.1080/01419870802302272

Borden, J. (2016). Effects of National Identity in Transnational Crises: Implications of Social Identity Theory for Attribution and Crisis Communications. International Journal of Communication, 10, 21.

Butler, K. (2016). Rethinking Sociology, Social Darwinism and Aboriginal Peoples. International Journal of Critical Indigenous Studies, 9(1), 17-27.

Charnysh, V., Lucas, C., & Singh, P. (2015). The ties that bind: National identity salience and pro-social behavior toward the ethnic other. Comparative Political Studies, 48(3), 267-300.

Crawford, T., Candlin, S., & Roger, P. (2017). New perspectives on understanding cultural diversity in nurse–patient communication. Collegian, 24(1), 63-69.

Delgado, R., & Stefancic, J. (2017). Critical race theory: An introduction. NYU Press.

Dubos, R. (2017). Social capital: Theory and research. Routledge.

Forrest, J., Lean, G., & Dunn, K. (2016). Challenging racism through schools: teacher attitudes to cultural diversity and multicultural education in Sydney, Australia. Race Ethnicity and Education, 19(3), 618-638.

Gilbert, P. (2018). The philosophy of nationalism. Routledge.

Griffiths, B., Russell, L., & Roberts, R. G. (2017). Friday essay: when did Australia’s human history begin?.

Hook, J., Davis, D., Owen, J., Worthington, E., & Utsey, S. (2013). Cultural humility: Measuring openness to culturally diverse clients. Journal Of Counseling Psychology, 60(3), 353-366. doi: 10.1037/a0032595

HUGO, G. (2011). Geography and Population in Australia: A Historical Perspective. Geographical Research, 49(3), 242-260. doi: 10.1111/j.1745-5871.2011.00713.x

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Kaye, H. (2017). The social meaning of modern biology: From social Darwinism to sociobiology. Routledge.

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