Integrating a Transcultural Perspective into the Social Work Curriculum: A Descriptive and Exploratory Study

Abstract

This paper describes a transcultural perspective, employed by one social work program, as an integrative framework for addressing diversity throughout the curriculum. The transcultural perspective incorporates five interrelated but distinct dimensions: (1) culture (recognizing the importance of culture at all levels of practice); (2) understanding dynamics of power, privilege, and oppression; (3) positionality and self-reflexivity; (4) respectful partnership; and (5) cultural competence (translating principles into culturally responsive practice). Also presented are findings from a study assessing student understanding after delivery of educational modules introducing the transcultural perspective.

Keywords:

• transcultural perspective
• culture
• cultural diversity
• social work education
• curriculum
• human behavior
• social environment

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This research was funded by a grant from San José State University. The authors would like to acknowledge Dr. Emily Bruce for her leadership as principal investigator, the faculty of the SJSU School of Social Work for collective development of the model, and Dr. Rona T. Halualani for her consultation.