Applying a Framework of Intersectionality to Understanding Diversity
for Social Work Practice
Judith I. Gray, Associate Professor
Ball State University Department of Social Work
Voice: (765) 285-1012
Email: jgray2@bsu.edu
Social workers are mandated by their Code of Ethics to practice as culturally
competent practitioners. The Code states that social workers must seek education
regarding “social diversity and oppression with respect to race, ethnicity, national origin,
color, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, political belief, religion, or mental or
physical disability,” (1.05)
Recently, a conceptual framework identified as
“intersectionality” has been applied to create a broader understanding of the
complexities of individual identities.
According to Marsiglia and Kulis (2009)
“intersectionality” defines a multidimensional cultural experience and describes how
multiple identities and systems of inequality create privilege or disadvantage.
Traditionally, practice norms and directions have been set by limited, sometimes onedimensional definitions of diversity.
It is important for each social worker to challenge incomplete or distorted ideas
regarding individuals and families in order to develop a flexible perspective, sensitive to
a complex experience of culture that one will encounter as a human service practitioner.
How “intersectionallity” results in an individual or family’s strengths or deficiencies in
transactions with external systems also need to be considered. According to Queralt
(1996) examples of such external systems include the school, workplace, the social
welfare system or other environmental pressures the family faces such as economic
hardship, unemployment, underemployment, racism, sexism or homophobia. Social
workers must also have knowledge related to how federal, state and local government
determines which individuals or families may have access to services.” Governmental or
organizational policies may include a narrow definition that determines eligibility may or
creates sanctioned discrimination limiting access to disability services, educational
resources or health insurance coverage.
The purpose of this curriculum development project is to broaden the scholarly
perspective that informs the current structural-functional model used in courses that
instruct social work students in the assessment and intervention process with individuals
and families. Initially, the instructor will review current literature to become familiar with
the most current research related to the concept of intersectionality and contemporary
intervention techniques and social services shown to be most helpful in diverse
individual or family situations. Secondly, a series of class presentations, in-class
exercises, discussions and field interviews with experts on diversity will be implemented
in an upper division social work practice course. This practice course educates students
regarding the “how to” of assessment and intervention and is taken just prior to the
student’s required senior practicum. Through these curriculum modules, students
increased their preparation in working with a revised view of diversity based upon a
multidimensional, strengths perspective. Reflective feedback obtained through an
evaluation instrument designed to measure student learning will be used to evaluate the
project. Discussions with the Fellows of the Diversity Policy Institute will assist in
updating the instructor with new perspectives on diversity and will also help the instructor
in the creative process of curriculum development. Products of the project will include:
curriculum guides for social work practice courses and dissemination of these materials
will occur through presentations at national meetings or workshops.
References
Marsiglia, F. F., and Kulis, S. (2009). Culturally grounded social work
Diversity, oppression and change. Chicago, IL., Lyceum Books, Inc.
National Association of Social Workers (2009). The code of ethics. Washington,
DC: NASW Press.
Queralt, M. (1996). The social environment and human behavior: A diversity
perspective. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon.