Unconscious Bias in Social Work: Identifying Culturally Responsive Interventions with BIPOC Clients
摘要
As societies become more culturally diverse and globalized, there has been a progressive movement toward social justice and understanding the impact of race, ethnicity, and culture in marginalized communities. Racial/ethnic disparities in health and mental health continue to perpetuate inequity and inequality. Moreover, cultural humility has become increasingly vital in sustaining cultural awareness, understanding, and sensitivity. The empirical literature has suggested the need for more culturally responsive and competent practices for underserved Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. However, implicit biases have unconsciously interfered with providers’ perceptions and the treatment provided to clients. This chapter will examine implicit and unconscious bias and its impact on contributing factors that have led to negative health outcomes in BIPOC communities. The chapter will also provide an overview of current research and evidence-based practice interventions to reduce biases. The author will also provide historical information about the impact of race and mental health, as well as suggested theoretical frameworks and interventions that can be used in practice to assist beginning social workers and practitioners working with BIPOC and diverse populations in clinical settings.