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Developing Cultural Competence as a Framework for Anti-heterosexist Social Work Practice

Reflections from the UK

University of Durham, England H.M.Charnley{at}durham.ac.uk

Jackie Langley

Brighton University, England

• Summary: This article examines the continuing marginalization of sexual orientation in social work practice. Taking the findings and recommendations of a small scale exploratory study as our starting point, we review United Kingdom (UK) research on social work and sexual orientation and illustrate the contradictions and constraints in implementing effective strategies for change. We explore the potential of cultural competence as a framework for developing anti-heterosexist practice.

• Findings: Current cultural competence frameworks have potential for developing anti-heterosexist practice through attention to awareness and understanding of attitudes, knowledge and skills. But they are limited by weak attention to underpinning theory, to the application of principles in practice, the complex reality of multi-cultural membership and the application of cultural competence at an organizational level.

• Applications : These findings have utility for social work students, educators and trainers, for the development of professional standards, for social work practice and supervision, and for organizations in creating inclusive learning and working environments and resisting heterosexism in social work.

Key Words: citizenship culture • cultural competence • sexual orientation • social exclusion

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Journal of Social Work, Vol. 7, No. 3, 307-321 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1468017307084073


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This Article Abstract Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Charnley, H. M. Articles by Langley, J. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?