Discussion Essay: Understanding Ethnicity

People often try to categorize one another based on single factors such as place of origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, language, tribal affiliation, national boundaries, and personal philosophy. Today’s world is so diverse and complex, however, that you cannot assign an individual to such a simple category. Instead, diversity and complexity are best expressed through self-described ethnicity, which may be based on a variety of factors. For this Discussion, reflect on the definition of ethnicity and consider how it might influence your human services practices.

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Is there a status quo in your work life that you think could be changed? In this Discussion, you will cultivate some of the important skills needed to challenge the existing state of affairs in your work life. Start by looking around your current workplace or envision the workplace at an organization with which you are familiar and start thinking, “What if?”

With these thoughts in mind:

By Day 4

Post a brief definition of ethnicity, based on your understanding of how ethnicity is presented in the Learning Resources. Then, explain how ethnicity may influence human services practices in your area of interest and why.

Reid Mandell, B., & Schram, B. (2012). An introduction to human services: Policy and practice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.

· Chapter 8, “Working with Diversity” (pp. 259–322)

Brown, R. K. (2008). Racial/ethnic differences in religious congregation-based social service delivery efforts. Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare, 35(4), 95–113.

Kane, M. N. (2008). How are sexual behaviors of older women and older men perceived by human service students? Social Work Education, 27(7), 723–743.

Painter, K., & Scannapieco, M. (2009). Part II: Multisystemic therapy: Addressing racial disparity and its effectiveness with families from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Journal of Family Social Work, 12(3), 197–210.

Note: Retrieved from Walden Library databases.

This article examines the health and mental health services delivered to racial and ethnic minorities. It also identifies considerations for practitioners working with children and families from diverse populations.