Educating Professionals for Practice in a Multicultural Society: Understanding Oppression and Valuing Diversity

Abstract

The United States is a society diverse in culture, race, ethnicity, religion, and income; one struggling with a past involving oppression, inequality, and buried knowledge. In order to heal and strengthen, we must educate ourselves about the many strands of our history; grow to appreciate and enjoy the multiple cultures, races, and realities; and recognize the consequences of current and historical oppression. Social work professionals can and should play a lead role. Social work educators can provide leadership in developing learning opportunities with parallel foci on the history and impact of oppression, and the strength and joy of diversity. After a review of the issues, a model is presented for guiding/facilitating this early learning.