Synopses & Reviews
Author Hilary Weaver provides a fresh new look at diversity by presenting a more historical and sociological perspective that speaks to the evolution of diversity consciousness within social work, which has been built from a variety of disciplines. Weaver provides examples and practice skills for specific populations to help students learn how to apply these concepts and practice in a culturally competent manner.
Review
"This text has a unique contribution in that it utilizes the voices of professionals from ethnically diverse groups. The case examples are more relevant to students' learning about cultural diversity The citations and refences are superb and draw upon empirical research in our field. One of the outstanding elements that sets it apart from the current texts is that it draws from multiple disciplines to explain the milieu of cultural diversity." "I would describe this book as one that is on the cutting edge and has information that will enable a colleague to discuss a sensitive topic that students are often resistant to or uncomfortable with. The depth and breadth of this text adds to its vitality and most definitely expands the knowledge base in this area."
Review
"The strength of this book lies on its content on diverse groups. It is written on a level that is very easy to understand."
Review
"Excellent coverage of important historical events is presented. ..A major strength of this text is the range of groups considered, both within historical context as well as their current situation. These historical and current considerations are well related to the practice of social work with each population group."
About the Author
Hilary Weaver is an Associate Professor at SUNY- Buffalo and is an emerging scholar in the social work discipline. She is one of the very few Native Americans who is publishing, and her background makes her a prime candidate for writing about cultural competence. She has contributed chapters to CULTURALLY COMPETENT PRACTICE: SKILLS INTERVENTIONS AND EVALUATIONS by Fong and Furuto and CULTURALLY COMPETENT PRACTICE: A FRAMEWORK FOR UNDERSTANDING DIVERSE GROUPS AND SOCIAL ISSUES by Lum. In addition to over 30 publications, Hilary Weaver has edited two books: VOICES OF FIRST NATIONS PEOPLE: HUMAN SERVICE CONSIDERATIONS, and HEALTH AND THE AMERICAN INDIAN (with Priscilla Day). She is also President of the American Indian Alaska Native Social Work Educators' Association and Chair of the American Indian Caucus of the National Association of Social Workers.
Table of Contents
I. REFLECTING ON THE PAST. Introduction. 1. Social Work History and Cultural Diversity. II. THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS. 2. Cultural Identity: Theories and Implications. 3. Self Reflection and Beyond: The Challenges of Examining Cultural Diversity Honestly. 4. Striving for Cultural Competence. III. AN OVERVIEW OF SELECT CULTURAL GROUPS. 5. Native Americans. 6. African Americans. 7. Latinos. 8. Asian Americans. 9. Pacific Islanders. 10. Jewish Americans. 11. Arab Americans. 12. Immigrants and Refugees. IV. LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE. 13. Advocating for Change.