Diversity and differences are recognized by social workers as experiences that shape and form our identities. Social workers recognize that there is a wide variety of differences among, culture, age, color, class, disability, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, class, marital status, immigration status, political views, race, religion/spirituality, as well as others. Social workers strive to understand and learn that these differences may be accompanied by oppression, poverty, marginalization, privilege, power, alienation as well as acclaim. The forms and mechanics of oppression and discrimination are understood by social workers who recognize that these cultural structures and values may marginalize or create privilege for certain individuals.
While in the field practicum, I created a google slides containing 8-week social emotional learning lessons in order to provide access to services for those who would otherwise may be discriminated against due to their socioeconomic status (2.1). For my course work our group advocated for sexual health practices to be implemented for high school aged students in Tennessee (2.1). The affective process used was valuing secondary aged students who would benefit from this policy change. The cognitive process is demonstrated by sharing of relevant knowledge stakeholders need to understand for change. Theoretically, the cognitive model theory asserts that people’s perceptions of situations influence their emotional and behavioral reactions.
For competency two social workers are to engage diversity and difference in practice. The knowledge I used was using the skill of withholding any prejudgments I may have within any given population. The value being practiced in this competency is dignity and worth of a person. While in the field practicum, I engaged in difference in practice to gain understanding how my personal beliefs are affected by diversity (2.2).