Discussion
In today’s world where a variety of cultures exists, social workers must understand the different cultures that exist. Social workers deal with people from different societies, who have different cultures. They must understand their cultures to understand them (Lum, 2011). The research sought to find out the cultural competence among social work students in the University of New England. The students were given questionnaires to fill out. For one to qualify to answer the questionnaire they had to be; above 18 years, of sound mental health, willing to take part in the research and be a member of the SSW 503/504 class.
Based on the research it is true to say that race is a huge part of the culture. Among the students who participated in the research, 38.66 % of them identified themselves with a certain race. 23.08% of the respondents identified with a particular culture based on their gender. While, 23.08% did not have a particular answer of why they identified themselves with a particular culture. Half the number of the students had a clear understanding as to why they identified with a particular culture. Most of them identified with something due to their social experiences.
The other half did not have a clear answer as to why they identified with a certain group. Some of them based their stand on generalization of what culture meant. For example, one identified themselves with a particular race because that is what he understood the culture meant.
The participants had adequate knowledge about their culture and the cultures around them. They could adequately state the different social structures that exist in the community. It was in regard to the different cultures that existed in the community. 46.15% percent of the respondents answered that they had the ability to display competence when it came to social work. A small percentage of the students stated that they were not sure of their ability to practice their work in a cultural competent manner.
The strengths of the study include; the research gave precise numbers. The research gives precise numbers of what the respondents answered. The data is well organized. For example, it is said that 38.66% of the students identified with a particular grouping. Assigning certain, clear and precise numbers to findings is convenient and makes the research credible. The research has also used University students studying social work. The students have adequate knowledge and experience in the field of study in which the research is based.
Some of the weaknesses of the research include; it used very few students to take part in the research. Fifty students took part in the research. It is not adequate to come up with a particular fact. The students are too few to represent the students studying social work in the entire country, if not the world. The research also uses limited methods to get information. The main method used to acquire information was filling questionnaires. The researchers did not adequately gather information.
According to Walliman and Baiche (2001), research could have gathered information using a variety of ways. They could have interviewed the students and the neighboring community. The interview could have been in person or over the phone call. The observation of which social workers perform their duties could have also been incorporated into the research. The research could have also used students from a variety of universities to conduct the research. Social workers who have experience dealing with people from different cultures would have been useful in the research.
Using the findings of the research would lead to social change. The students would be more aware of the cultural standings. They could be more cultural competent ready. It would mean that they would be able to handle people from different societies (Zastrow 2009). It would eventually lead to the reduction of social problems, which the social workers are involved in eliminating.
References
Lum, D. (2011). Culturally competent practice: A framework for understanding diverse groups
and justice issues. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Walliman, N., & Baiche, B. (2001). Your research project: A step-by-step guide for the first-time
researcher. London: SAGE Publ. approach. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Brooks/Cole.
Zastrow, C. (2009). Social work with groups: A comprehensive workbook. Belmont, CA:
Brooks/Cole.
