Social and Cultural Diversity Paper
Instructions
Overview
The Social and Cultural Diversity Paper (1,000 to 1,200
words) requires the student to identify and reflect on possible personal biases
regarding gender, religion, sexual or gender orientation, race, socioeconomic
status, disability status, or culture. The purpose of this paper is to raise
the student’s personal and professional level of awareness regarding the subject
of diverse populations.
Prepare this
assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in
the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
This assignment uses
a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become
familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin.
Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.
Process Schedule
The Social and
Cultural Diversity Paper assignment will be accomplished in a five-step
process, with individual steps submitted and graded regularly throughout the
course, according to the following schedule:
1)
Outline (Due Topic 4)
2)
References (Due Topic 5)
3)
First Draft (Due Topic 7)
4)
Final Paper (Due Topic 8)
Content Guidelines
When constructing
this paper, use a three-part structure according to the following guidelines:
Part 1: Personal Reflection
The first part of the paper requires you to identify information
from your own personal history. Use the following questions to help guide your
reflections:
1.
Identify your personal biases and how those
biases may present challenges to you as a mental health professional. Remember, everyone has biases. The point
is not to project them onto your clients.
Note: It is preferred you discuss your cultural biases.
2.
Describe your personal history by documenting
experiences with discrimination you may have experienced and how your cultural
background impacted these experiences.
3.
Identify memories of contact with those who were
culturally different than you, and your experiences associated with these
differences. Be specific.
4.
How has your life experience affected how you
may relate to persons different than you? Be specific.
Part 2: Racism and
Discrimination
The second part of the paper requires you to demonstrate an
understanding of the concepts of racism/discrimination. Use the following
questions to help guide your reflections:
1.
Distinguish between stereotypes, prejudice, and
discrimination.
2.
What does it mean to be a subtle racist? Please
include a referenced definition and example.
3.
Why could there be significant differences in
perceptions and values of members within the same ethnic group? Be specific.
Part 3: Multicultural
Competence
The third part of your paper requires you to review and
reflect on multicultural competence as a professional. Use the following to
help guide your reflection:
1.
What did you learn about the importance of
cultural sensitivity in providing professional services to clients?
2.
How do communication styles differ across
cultures?
3.
How might strategies to build rapport be
differentiated based on culture?
4.
What resources could help you to become more
informed regarding cultural diversity? Cite resources you can use to dispel your
personal biases.
5. Provide
an example of cultural bias in counseling/psychological research and support
your answer with at least one scholarly reference.
6.
How could you apply your learning to your future
practice as a mental health and wellness professional?
