From culturalisation to complexity – a critical view on the cultural competence discourse in social work

ABSTRACT

Internationally, research on social work with immigrants has taken a critical perspective to the influential cultural competence discourse in social work. However, such criticism has been virtually absent in Norway. Research from Norway and Scandinavia shows how social workers perceive social problems affecting minorities as cultural differences, and not as difficulties related to uneven power relations and the subordinate position of minorities in the Nordic societies. The aim of this article is to critically explore the expressed need for cultural competence in the context of Norwegian social work and to discuss some implications of such a position. Drawing on Norwegian social work research and policy documents, we argue the need to shift from a culturalised position of the “other’ towards a position where intersecting categories and uneven power relations are acknowledged and combatted. In addition, by exploring what matters in people’s lives, and by learning from clients experiences, social workers will be better equipped to support individuals whose lives are influenced by complex individual, cultural and structural power relations.

KEYWORDS:

• Cultural competence
• cultural sensitivity
• culturalisation
• child welfare from a minority perspective
• the Norwegian welfare state

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.