Case Study #1
Being aware of one’s own cultural biases and possible ethnocentric ideas about Julio and his family is vital for any social worker. Being Mexican-American and having a mother who is an illegal immigrant can lead to various prejudices and biases linked to culture, language, and family values. To deliver services that are respectful of Julio and his family’s unique experiences and culturally relevant, I need to be aware of these possible prejudices. This calls for a thorough comprehension of the client’s cultural and societal standards and respect for their ideas and values, which may differ from one’s own. Additionally, I must understand the difficulties undocumented immigrants face, such as their fear of deportation and its potential effects on their well-being and access to resources. Julio and his family can receive the assistance and resources required to guarantee their general success and well-being if the social worker is culturally competent and considerate of their particular experiences.
Race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, financial status, and immigrant status are all elements of intersectionality for diversity (Soraa et al., 2022). The difficulties Julio and his mother encounter result from a combination of factors, including their Mexican-American background, poor socioeconomic standing, and the mother’s illegal status. These elements combine to provide a distinct set of conditions that must be recognized and handled in a culturally appropriate way.
Prejudice and discrimination come from a variety of sources for Julio and his mother. Due to potential bias and discrimination based on the mother’s immigration status, it may be difficult for her to get the assistance and resources she needs. Given the current political atmosphere and anti-immigrant attitudes, Julio and his family may experience prejudice and discrimination because they are Mexican-Americans. Additionally, due to class prejudice brought on by their poor socioeconomic level, they may find it difficult to obtain services and resources. The challenges Julio and his family are dealing with might be made even worse by these kinds of discrimination.
Case Study #2
According to systems theory, Olga, Julio’s mother, and their relationship may be viewed as an open system where inputs like Olga’s emotional condition and Julio’s health difficulties have an impact on Julio’s development and behavior. Also, Olga’s mental condition and her capacity to care for Julio are in balance, which is called homeostasis. This balance has been upset by her husband’s lack of assistance and the strain of being a mother without legal status, making it difficult for Olga to care for Julio. There are also feedback loops; Olga’s emotional state impacts Julio’s behavior and growth, impacting Julio’s development. Olga’s improvement in addressing her emotional condition and the contribution of early childhood programs can result in positive feedback and restore the system’s balance. In this case study, boundaries also play a significant role, with Olga’s worry of being deported as a barrier to her seeking the assistance and resources she and Julio need. Lastly, according to the hierarchy theory, the mother-child relationship can be considered a subsystem within a wider system of support that includes family, community, and societal systems. Each subsystem’s operation has an impact on the overall system’s operation.
Given Julio’s upbringing and developmental history, it is possible that his early play and socialization experiences were disrupted. Due to his preterm birth and twenty-three days in the neonatal critical care unit, Julio may not have immediately formed a strong attachment with his mother. Additionally, Julio’s developmental delays and issues with being alone are probably related to his mother’s immigrant status, her lack of prenatal care, and her emotions of estrangement. Julio does not seem to have a problem meeting new people. According to the information provided, his propensity to cling to people holding him suggests that he seeks social comfort through his relationships with others.
It is critical to evaluate Julio’s degree of safety and well-being. Even though there is not any overt evidence of child abuse or neglect, Julio’s birth and early years were under unsettling conditions. Julio may have been neglected due to Olga’s failure to obtain prenatal treatment and her struggles with postpartum depression. In addition, she worries about Julio’s connection and emotional needs because she feels far from him and finds it difficult to provide for him. Indicators indicating Julio may be in danger include his low birth weight, developmental difficulties, asthma, and trouble being alone. It is critical to monitor and address these issues to ensure that Julio is secure and gets the attention and assistance he needs.
References
Sony, M., & Naik, S. (2020). Industry 4.0 integration with socio-technical systems theory: A systematic review and proposed theoretical model. Technology in society, 61, 101248.
Soraa, R. A., Anfinsen, M., Foulds, C., Korsnes, M., Lagesen, V., Robison, R., & Ryghaug, M. (2020). Diversifying diversity: Inclusive engagement, intersectionality, and gender identity in a European Social Sciences and Humanities Energy research project. Energy Research & Social Science, 62, 101380.
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