Bridging Professional and Cultural Values and Norms

Abstract

This paper discusses the findings of a study that explores the difficulties experienced by a small purposive sample of Asian American social work students in their professional training due to differences between their cultural norms and values and those of the social work profession. A series of tutorial sessions were used as a forum for student inquiry and learning. A common issue reported by the students was their perception of their cultural differences as deficits in their professional training. The social work skills of reframing and clarification were used by the author to validate the students' cultural strengths and create culturally relevant meanings to practice concepts and skills.

Key Words:

• Asian American students
• norms and values