Question: Social and Cultural Diversity Paper Writing Instructions

Overview The Social and Cultural Diversity Paper (1,750-2,000 words) requires the student to identify and reflect on possible personal biases regarding gender, religion, sexual or gender orientation, race, socioeconomic status, disability status, or culture.

The purpose of this paper is to raise the student's personal and professional level of awareness regarding the subject of diverse populations.
Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines.

Process Schedule The Social and Cultural Diversity Paper assignment will be accomplished in a five-step process, with individual steps submitted and graded regularly throughout the course, according to the following schedule:

1) Outline

2) References

3) First Draft

4) Final Paper

Content Guidelines When constructing this paper, use a three-part structure according to the following guidelines:

Part 1 The first part of the paper requires you to identify information from your own personal history.

Use the following questions to help guide your reflections:

1) Identify your personal biases and how they may impact your counseling approach. Remember, everyone has biases. The point is not to project them onto your clients. Note: It is preferred you discuss your cultural biases.

2) Describe your personal history by documenting experiences with discrimination you may have experienced and how your cultural background impacted these experiences. If you have not had any experiences, share why you believe this to be true.

3) Identify memories of contact with those who were culturally different than you, and your experiences associated with these differences. Be specific.

4) How has your life experience affected how you may relate to persons different than you? Be specific.

Part 2 The second part of the paper requires you to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of racism/discrimination.

Use the following questions to help guide your reflections:

1) What does it mean to be a subtle racist? Please include a referenced definition and example.

2) Why could there be significant differences in perceptions and values of members within the same ethnic group? Be specific.

Part 3 The third part of your paper requires you to review and reflect on the ACA and NAADAC codes of ethics.

Use the following to help guide your reflection:

1) Discuss how the ACA and NAADAC codes of ethics will inform your practice. a) Identify and cite the specific ACA and NAADA multicultural codes that you will use to inform your practice.

2) What did you learn about the importance of cultural sensitivity in treatment planning?

3) How do communication styles and help-seeking behaviors differ across cultures?

4) How might strategies to build rapport be differentiated based on culture?

5) Examine underlying reasons for differential treatment methods.

a) Consult several professional journals on treatment practices and cultural biases.

b) Identify sources of potential counselor cultural bias within these practices.

6) What resources could help you to become more informed regarding cultural diversity? Cite resources you can use to dispel your personal biases.

7) How could you apply your learning to your future practice as a counselor?

Refer to the "Social and Cultural Paper Writing Instructions" for a detailed explanation of the requirements for the Social and Cultural Diversity Paper that you will be developing throughout the course.

Prepare an outline of the paper that contains the following:

1.Introduction

2.Definition of cultural diversity

3.Main body containing the content guidelines provided in "Social and Cultural Paper Writing Instructions"

4.Conclusion Refer to the following site for outline format information as needed.

This assignment meets the following CACREP Standards:

2.F.2.a. Multicultural and pluralistic characteristics within and among diverse groups nationally and internationally.

2.F.2.b. Theories and models of multicultural counseling, cultural identity development, and social justice and advocacy.

2.F.2.c. Multicultural counseling competencies.

2.F.2.d. The impact of heritage, attitudes, beliefs, understandings, and acculturative experiences on an individual's views of others.

2.F.2.g. The impact of spiritual beliefs on clients' and counselors' worldviews. 2.F.2.h. Strategies for identifying and eliminating barriers, prejudices, and processes of intentional and unintentional oppression and discrimination.

This assignment meets the following NASAC Standards:

18) Understand diverse racial and ethnic cultures, including their distinct patterns of interpreting reality, world view, adaptation, and communication, and to incorporate the special needs of minority groups and the differently abled into clinical practice.

19) Understand the importance of self-awareness in one's personal, professional, and cultural life.

85) Adapt counseling strategies to the individual characteristics of the client, including (but not limited to): disability, gender, sexual orientation, developmental level, acculturation, ethnicity, age, and health status.

102) Sensitize others to issues of cultural identity, ethnic background, age, and gender role or identity in prevention, treatment, and recovery.

119) Recognize the importance of individual differences by gaining knowledge about personality, cultures, lifestyles, and other factors influencing client behavior, and applying this knowledge to practice.

121) Conduct culturally appropriate self-evaluations of professional performance, applying ethical, legal, and professional standards to enhance self-awareness and performance.