Ethnic-Sensitive Practice: Contradictions and Recommendations

SUMMARY

This article identifies some of the contradictions at the theoretical, attitudinal, and behavioral levels that are inherent in current approaches to ethnic-sensitive practice, including: (1) diversity and the history of the profession; (2) ethnicity as a credential; (3) the differential status of minority groups; and (4) the reliance on self-awareness. Recommendations are presented to stimulate thinking outside and beyond the box, such as redefining and expanding approaches to ethnic-sensitive practice; creating agency environments that support ethnic-sensitive practice; and expanding ethnic-sensitive practice to include a focus on the structures, institutions, and policies that are required for the sustained implementation of ethnic-sensitive practice.

KEYWORDS:

• Ethnic-sensitive practice
• multicultural practice
• cultural competence
• White privilege