Providing culturally appropriate service for Muslim Americans: a perspective of social service providers

ABSTRACT

This paper aims to acknowledge essential matters to be taken under consideration when working with Muslim Americans in social services in an effort to provide culturally appropriate services and promote social justice. Interviews were conducted with service providers who identify themselves as formerly or currently Muslim and have previously or are currently working with Muslim Americans. The themes found were: 1) oppression, discrimination, and stereotypes; 2) consequences for social work; 3) help-seeking; and 4) providing culturally appropriate services. Recognition of service workers’ insider perspectives of working with Muslims will offer further insight on providing culturally appropriate services.

KEYWORDS:

• Social work
• social services
• Muslim Americans
• Muslim clients
• cultural competence
• culturally sensitive services

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Suzie S. Weng

Suzie S. Weng is assistant professors of social work at California State University, Long Beach.

Sarah Davidson

Sarah Davidson was a former student in the Bachelors of Social Work program at the University of North Florida.

Mimi E. Kim

Mimi E. Kim is assistant professors of social work at California State University, Long Beach.