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| Social work groups thrive when leaders embrace diversity, cultural competence, and inclusive dialogue. |
Culture and Group Dynamics in Social Work Practice
Culture influences how individuals perceive themselves, others, and the systems around them, making it an essential consideration in social work group practice. Group dynamics are shaped not only by interpersonal relationships but also by the cultural identities of its members. For social workers, cultural competence is a professional and ethical responsibility that ensures diverse voices are respected, valued, and integrated into the helping process (National Association of Social Workers [NASW], 2021). Culture and ethnicity can have a profound impact on group dynamics, social workers, and group leaders ought to intervene with cultural sensitivity, and implement strategies for working with any specific demographic.
Cultural Influence on Group Dynamics
First, communication styles are deeply shaped by culture. Some cultures emphasize direct verbal expression, while others value indirect or nonverbal communication. These differences can lead to misunderstandings or perceptions of disengagement if not properly addressed (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). For example, members from collectivist backgrounds may avoid open disagreement to maintain harmony, while others may feel comfortable expressing conflict openly.
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| Culture influences communication, trust, and group interaction |
Second, attitudes toward authority can affect participation and trust. Rasheed, Rasheed, and Marley (2010) highlight that families from certain ethnic groups may approach authority figures with deference or skepticism depending on historical experiences with systemic oppression. For example, in the Black community, recent events such as the death of Breonna Taylor, the murder of George Floyd, and the beating of Rodney King on March 3, 1991, have further exacerbated mistrust of authority figures. Similarly, some Caucasian communities recall historical instances of mistreatment, such as the unethical Cold War–era radiation experiments conducted without informed consent, or more recent cases where individuals were beaten or killed during confrontations with law enforcement. In a group context, members may either over-rely on the leader’s guidance or resist leadership entirely, shaping how the group functions.
Related: Managing Our Emotions For Our Mental And Emotional Well being
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| Social workers foster inclusion by honoring cultural identity and experience. |
Third, perceptions of help-seeking vary across cultural backgrounds. Van Hook (2019) notes that cultural norms can influence whether members perceive group participation as supportive or stigmatizing. For instance, some cultures value privacy and may resist discussing personal problems, or perceived problem situations in front of strangers, while others may embrace collective sharing as a source of strength and healing.
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| Culture shapes norms, communication styles, and perceptions of authority |
Intervening with Cultural Sensitivity
A group leader must intentionally foster cultural competence by adopting strategies that validate members’ identities and experiences. One intervention is establishing inclusive group norms that encourage respect for diverse perspectives and clarify expectations around confidentiality and communication. This creates psychological safety for members who may fear judgment.
Another strategy is cultural reframing, which involves highlighting cultural strengths as assets within the group process. For example, collectivist values such as familismo in Latino communities can be acknowledged as resilience factors that support collaboration (Rasheed et al., 2010).
Finally, leaders can use self-reflection and cultural humility to recognize their own biases and to avoid imposing dominant cultural narratives on members (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). Modeling openness to learning fosters trust and allows group members to feel their identities are respected.
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| Supporting families strengthens resilience. |
Intervening with a Diverse Population
Working with immigrant families provides a clear example of how to intervene with cultural sensitivity. Many immigrants face language barriers, discrimination, and acculturative stress, which can hinder participation in group settings.
Three methods to support this population include:
- Language accessibility: Providing interpreters or bilingual materials ensures members can fully participate. This aligns with the NASW (2021) principle of respecting dignity and worth by reducing exclusion caused by language differences.
- Integration of cultural traditions: Incorporating familiar practices, such as storytelling or rituals from members’ cultures, affirm identity and strengthens engagement (Van Hook, 2019). This also reframes cultural differences as group resources.
- Empowerment through psychoeducation: Offering education about navigating systems (e.g., healthcare, schools, or employment) helps immigrant families reduce stressors while validating their lived experiences of discrimination (Rasheed et al., 2010). This empowers members to use the group as a safe space for resilience-building.
Conclusion
Culture is inseparable from group dynamics, influencing communication, trust in leadership, and attitudes toward help-seeking. For social workers, cultural competence and humility are ethical necessities that ensure groups function as inclusive, empowering spaces. By establishing inclusive norms, reframing cultural strengths, and tailoring interventions to diverse populations, group leaders can uphold the values of service, dignity, and social justice while fostering resiliency among members.
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References
National Association of Social Workers. (2021). Code of ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English
Rasheed, J. M., Rasheed, M. N., & Marley, J. A. (2010). Ethnicity and family life Download Ethnicity and family life. In Family therapy: Models and techniques (pp. 83–131). Sage.
Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Pearson.
Van Hook, M. P. (2019). Cultural issues, family structure, and resiliency. Download Cultural issues, family structure, and resiliency.In Social work practice with families: A resiliency-based approach (3rd ed., pp. 107–151). Oxford University Press.
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