Black Feminism&

Cultural Competence

Kim WeingartenFebruary 9, 2009

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Objectives

Become familiar with the concept of black feminismDevelop a deeper understanding of the importance of cultural competence within social work practice

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First, a look at the basics….

Racism

Sexism

Feminism

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Racism…

A belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race

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Sexism…

Prejudice or discrimination based on sex; especially discrimination against women

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Feminism…

The theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes

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So then what is Black Feminism?

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History of Black Feminism

In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, black women were being oppressed:

Sexually: Black Liberation Movement/Civil Rights MovementRacially: Women’s Movement

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The Black Liberation Movement/Civil Rights

MovementLiberation of the black race = liberation of the black maleSexual discrimination & controlDisregard for humanity and equality of black women

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The Feminist Movement

There existed a disregard for black women and a denial of racism

Largely defined by the experiences of white, middle class women

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The Creation of the Black Feminist Movement

Proved to be a difficult task:Widespread stigma associated with the word “feminism”Common reservations, as identified by Barbara Smith

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Reasons for the hesitation…

Many believed the black woman was already liberatedMore of a focus on oppression that related to race, not sexMyths surrounding feminism: man-hating, lesbians, etc.

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Not all hesitated, however…

In 1973, the Black Feminist Movement was born.

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What were the areas of interest?

Reproductive RightsEqual Access to AbortionHealth CareChild CareThe rights of the disabled

Violence Against WomenSexual HarassmentWelfare RightsPolice BrutalityLabor Organizing

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Some of the big players…

National Black Feminist Organization

Combahee River Collective

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Womanist

“Womanist is to feminist as purple is

to lavender”.

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Black Feminism…where is it today?

Successful in some areas, not all.

Changes in the women’s movementAcknowledgement from Universities and CollegesLess effective in the black community

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So how does all of this relate to social work?

Ah yes, cultural

competence…

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What is culture?

Culture implies the integrated pattern of human behavior that includes thoughts, communications, actions, customs, beliefs, values, and institutions of a racial, ethnic, religious, or social group.

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Cultural competence is a set of congruent behaviors, attitudes, and policies that come together in a system or agency or among professionals and enable the system, agency, or professionals to work effectively in cross-cultural situations.

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Cultural competence requires social

workers to recognize the strengths that exist in all

cultures.

Cross-Cultural Knowledge

Social workers shall have and continue to develop specialized knowledge and understanding about the history, traditions, values, family systems, and artistic expressions of major client groups served.

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Cultural Competence at the Systems Level

1. Value Diversity2. Capacity for Cultural Self-

Assessment3. Consciousness of dynamics

between cultures when they interact

4. Institutionalize cultural knowledge5. Develop programs and services

that reflect points 1-423

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QUIZ TIME….

References

But some of us are strong: a history of black feminism in the United States. The Thistle:

Alternative News Collective, 9.01.

National Association of Social Workers. (2007). Indicators for the achievement of the

NASW standards for cultural competence in social work practice. Washington, DC:

Author.

National Association of Social Workers. Cultural Competence in the Social Work

Profession. In Social Work Speaks: NASW Policy Statements 2000-2003 (5th ed).

Washington, DC: Author.

National Black Feminist Organization (1975). National Black Feminist Organization

Collection: An inventory of its records at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Retrieved February 8, 2009, from file:///F:/Black%20Feminism/NBFO%20page.htm

Snyder, B. (2005). The welfare of feminism: struggle in the midst of reform. Twin Cities,

Minnesota: University of Minnesota, Center on Women and Public Policy.

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