A Critical Reflection on Cultural Competence in Social Work – the Australian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics
Source:
Patil, T., & Ennis, G. M. (2018). Critically Reflecting on the Australian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics: Learning from a Social Work Field Placement. British Journal of Social Work, 48(5), 1370–1387. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcx101
Main Themes:
- Critical Reflection on Social Work Practice: The article uses a critical incident during a field placement to examine the complexities of ethical social work practice, particularly concerning cultural competence.
- The Political Nature of the Code of Ethics: The authors argue that codes of ethics, while seemingly neutral, are inherently political documents shaped by dominant cultural values and power structures.
- Deconstructing ‘Cultural Competence’: The article challenges the traditional application of ‘cultural competence’, arguing that focusing solely on the ‘other’ reinforces problematic power dynamics and limits transformative practice.
Key Ideas and Facts:
The authors question the application of “culturally competent practice” exclusively towards First Nations Australians (Indigenous People) and non-Western groups, arguing that this reinforces a binary of “self” (Western) and “other” (non-Western). They critique the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) Code of Ethics for prioritizing “technical and juridical imperatives” rooted in Western liberalism over a nuanced understanding of cultural dynamics. The article highlights a tension within the Code of Ethics between the value of “respect for persons” and the responsibility of “culturally competent, safe and sensitive practice.” By emphasizing the “other,” the authors argue that the Code of Ethics might inadvertently limit a social worker’s ability to critically self-reflect on their own cultural positioning and potential biases.
Important Quotes:
On the limitations of focusing on the ‘other’: “We must be aware of framing that skews the gaze towards ‘the other’, instead of being turned on the ‘non-other’ (Walter et al., 2011) or dominant Western models of practice and their social, historical and political underpinnings.”
On the Code of Ethics as a political document: “The Code of Ethics is a political document that needs a political reading which critiques the knowledge practices that underpin the values of ‘respect for persons’ and ethical responsibilities for culturally competent practice.”
On the need for critical self-reflection: “This approach does not encourage social workers to approach their work with individuals/communities from the starting point of: what values do I have? How are they related to dominant cultural values? How does it affect my work, and what are the steps I will take to be respectful to my clients?”
Implications for Social Work Practice:
- Social workers should engage in ongoing critical reflection to examine their own cultural biases and assumptions.
- Ethical codes and guidelines should be analyzed and applied through a critical lens, acknowledging their inherent political nature and potential to perpetuate power imbalances.
- The concept of “cultural competence” should be redefined to move beyond a simplistic focus on the ‘other’ and encourage genuine cultural sensitivity and reflexivity among all practitioners.
- Training and education should equip social workers with the tools and confidence to challenge dominant discourses and engage in transformative social work practice that truly respects the dignity and autonomy of all individuals and communities.
Timeline of Events:
This article is a reflective analysis of an ethical issue encountered during a social work field placement, rather than a narrative with a chronological timeline of events. Therefore, a traditional timeline is not applicable. Instead, here’s a summary of the key themes and arguments presented:
Past:
Mid-20th Century: Growing interest in professional ethics for social workers. Development of the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics in the USA, followed by similar codes in Britain and Australia. These codes were influenced by Kantian philosophy.
1970s-1990s: Emergence of critical social work theories, challenging established practices and power dynamics within the profession.
Present:
Tejaswini’s Field Placement: Tejaswini, a social work student, observes colleagues discussing “culturally competent practice” exclusively in relation to Indigenous and non-Western peoples. She finds this approach problematic and embarks on a critical reflection with her supervisor, Gretchen.
Critical Reflection Process: Tejaswini and Gretchen use the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) Code of Ethics as a framework for their reflection. They analyze the Code’s language, particularly the values of “respect for persons” and “culturally competent, safe and sensitive practice,” through a post-structuralist lens, influenced by Foucault’s ideas on power/knowledge.
Future:
The authors argue for ongoing critical reflection in social work education and practice, urging social workers to recognize their own positionality and the potential for reproducing power imbalances even when striving for ethical practice.
Cast of Characters:
Tejaswini Patil:
Bio: A naturalized Australian citizen, originally from India. A PhD-qualified sociologist transitioning to social work. Her background and academic expertise make her sensitive to issues of “othering” and power dynamics within language and professional practice.
Role: Social work student on field placement, instigator of the critical reflection process.
Gretchen Marie Ennis:
Bio: A white Australian social work practitioner, researcher, and educator with decades of experience in the Northern Territory. While committed to working effectively with diverse communities, Tejaswini’s challenge prompts her to critically examine her own assumptions and the potential for unconsciously perpetuating power imbalances.
Role: Tejaswini’s field supervisor, active participant in the critical reflection process.
Other Characters:
Colleagues and Community Members: The article mentions Tejaswini overhearing conversations about “culturally competent practice” among these individuals, prompting her initial discomfort and subsequent reflection.
Key Figures Cited but not Directly Involved:
Michel Foucault: French philosopher whose ideas on power/knowledge heavily influence the authors’ analysis of the AASW Code of Ethics.
Critically Reflecting on the AASW Code of Ethics: A Study Guide
Short Study Guide Quiz with Answer
- What prompted the authors’ critical reflection on the AASW Code of Ethics?
- What is the primary philosophical foundation of the AASW Code of Ethics, and how is this evident in its articulation of values?
- How do the authors define critical reflection, and what theoretical perspectives inform their understanding?
- Explain the tension the authors identify between the core social work value of “respect for persons” and the practice responsibility of “culturally competent, safe and sensitive practice.”
- Why is it problematic to only consider “culturally competent practice” in relation to Indigenous and other non-Western groups?
- What is meant by “a political reading” of the AASW Code of Ethics?
- How does the concept of “power/knowledge” inform the authors’ critique of the AASW Code of Ethics?
- According to the authors, how does the AASW Code of Ethics limit a social worker’s ability to practice in culturally sensitive ways?
- What are the implications of focusing the “gaze” on the “other” in social work practice?
- How did the critical reflection process impact the student and supervisor’s understanding of their own subjectivities as social work practitioners?
Answer Keys
- The authors’ critical reflection was sparked by the student’s discomfort with the way “culturally competent practice” was discussed and applied, particularly in relation to First Nations Australians (Indigenous People).
- The primary philosophical foundation is Kantian philosophy, evident in the emphasis on principles like respect for persons, self-determination, and autonomy.
- Critical reflection is a process of unearthing individually held social assumptions to make changes in practice. It is informed by theories like reflective practice, reflexivity, postmodernism, deconstruction, discourse analysis, and critical theory.
- The tension arises from the Code’s emphasis on individual self-determination, which can clash with the need to consider the collective needs and cultural contexts of certain communities, particularly when those communities have experienced oppression and marginalization.
- It reinforces the “othering” of these groups, implying they are the only ones with a “culture” that requires special consideration, while neglecting the cultural perspectives and biases of the (often white) social workers.
- It involves examining the Code of Ethics not as a neutral document, but as a product of power relations and dominant discourses that shape social work practice.
- Power/knowledge recognizes that knowledge is not neutral but is shaped by power dynamics. The authors argue that the Code of Ethics reflects dominant Western knowledge and power structures, potentially marginalizing alternative ways of knowing and practicing.
- The Code’s emphasis on universal principles and individual self-determination can make it difficult to account for the historical and systemic factors that impact individuals and communities differently, particularly those who have been marginalized.
- It reinforces a binary between the “self” (the social worker) and the “other” (the client), perpetuating power imbalances and potentially leading to the imposition of the social worker’s values and worldview.
- The student gained a deeper understanding of how her own experiences with “othering” shaped her reaction to the language of cultural competence, while the supervisor was challenged to confront her own complicity in reproducing dominant power relations.
Essay Questions
- Critically analyze the authors’ argument that the AASW Code of Ethics is predominantly embedded in Kantian philosophy. Discuss the strengths and limitations of this philosophical framework in guiding ethical social work practice.
- Explore the concept of “reflexivity” in social work practice. How can social workers engage in reflexive practice to challenge their own assumptions and biases, and to promote more equitable and just outcomes for clients?
- Discuss the challenges and opportunities of applying a post-structuralist perspective to social work practice. How can this perspective help social workers navigate the complexities of power, knowledge, and discourse in their work?
- The authors argue that social work is a political practice. Explain this statement and provide examples of how social workers can engage in ethical and effective political action to address social justice issues.
- Develop a set of guidelines for social work educators and supervisors on how to effectively integrate critical reflection on the AASW Code of Ethics into social work education and practice.
Glossary of Key Terms
- AASW Code of Ethics: The Australian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics, which outlines the values, principles, and standards that guide ethical social work practice in Australia.
- Critical Reflection: A process of examining one’s own beliefs, assumptions, and actions in relation to broader social, political, and cultural contexts. It involves questioning taken-for-granted assumptions and power dynamics.
- Culturally Competent Practice: The ability of social workers to understand and respond effectively to the diverse cultural backgrounds of their clients. It involves self-awareness, cultural humility, and a willingness to learn from and collaborate with clients.
- Discourse: A system of language, ideas, and practices that shape how we understand and interact with the world. Discourses are not neutral but reflect power relations and dominant ideologies.
- Kantian Philosophy: An ethical theory that emphasizes the importance of universal principles, duty, and rationality. Key concepts include the categorical imperative (the principle that we should act only according to rules that we could universalize) and respect for persons.
- Othering: A process of defining and differentiating oneself from others, often in ways that create hierarchies and power imbalances.
- Post-structuralism: A theoretical perspective that critiques the idea of objective truth and universal values. It emphasizes the role of language, power, and discourse in shaping our understanding of the world.
- Power/Knowledge: A concept developed by Michel Foucault that argues that power and knowledge are interconnected. Those in positions of power have the ability to shape knowledge and discourse, which in turn reinforces their power.
- Reflexivity: The ability to critically reflect on one’s own positionality, biases, and power in relation to others.
- Self-determination: The right of individuals to make their own choices and control their own lives. In social work, it involves respecting clients’ autonomy and empowering them to make informed decisions.
[This critical reflection is prepared by our senior staff writer Jibaro]