Explain the ways in which cultural messages influence family help-seeking patterns. Based on the Garcia-Lowe case study, describe how a family’s ethnic identification might impact its multisystem transactions.

CULTURE IN FAMILIES

From birth, humans are raised within a given culture and learn to see the world through it. Reinforced by their parents or guardians, extended family, and community, this culture forms the values, beliefs, and behaviors they carry with them to adulthood. As adults, they form families of their own, and the culture is further reinforced or integrated with the culture of their partner. Cultural messages about mental health, positive or negative, can affect a family’s likelihood of accessing services. Similarly, cultural attitudes related to pride and trust can hinder help-seeking. 

For this Discussion, you review a case study and use it to inform your investigation of cultural factors that influence families’ attempts to seek out therapy. You also examine the importance of cultural competence and sensitivity on the part of a social worker working with families. 

TO PREPARE

• Review the Learning Resources on culture, ethnicity, and family. 

• Access the Social Work Case Studies media and navigate to the Garcia-Lowe Family case. While you read, consider cultural factors within the case, including the family members’ ethnic identities. 

BY DAY 3

Explain the ways in which cultural messages influence family help-seeking patterns. Based on the Garcia-Lowe case study, describe how a family’s ethnic identification might impact its multisystem transactions. Finally, explain why understanding dimensions of ethnic identity is important for a social worker engaging with families.

References 

• Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Pearson.

o Chapter 5, “Leadership and Diversity” (pp. 137–159)

• Rasheed, J. M., Rasheed, M. N., & Marley, J. A. (2010). Ethnicity and family life Download Ethnicity and family life. In Family therapy: Models and techniques (pp. 83–131). Sage. 

Credit line: Family therapy: Models and techniques by Rasheed, J.M., Rasheed, M.N., & Marley, J.A. Copyright 2010 by Sage Publications. Reprinted by permission of SAGE Publications via the Copyright Clearance Center. Licensed in 2022.

• Van Hook, M. P. (2019). Cultural issues, family structure, and resiliency. Download Cultural issues, family structure, and resiliency.In Social work practice with families: A resiliency-based approach (3rd ed., pp. 107–151). Oxford University Press. 

Credit line: Social work practice with families: A resiliency-based approach, 3rd Edition by Van Hook, M.P. Copyright 2019 by Oxford University Press. Reprinted by permission of Oxford University Press via the Copyright Clearance Center. Licensed in 2022.

• National Association of Social Workers. (2021). Code of ethics of the National Association of Social WorkersLinks to an external site.. https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English 

• Walden University, LLC. (2022). Social work case studiesLinks to an external site. [Interactive media]. Walden University Canvas. https://waldenu.instructure.com

o Navigate to the Garcia-Lowe Family case.