Reference no: EM133942411
Problem
In the U.S., Christianity has historically been the dominant religion, shaping cultural norms, holidays, politics, and institutional practices. Christian privilege in the U.S. stems from colonial history in which European settlers imposed Christian values on government, law, and education. Research on religious privilege shows that religious minority families often face struggles such as marginalization, misunderstanding, and animosity (Marks et al., 2019). For social workers, recognizing religious privilege is essential in promoting religious pluralism and inclusivity. Social workers must be aware of how dominant religious norms can marginalize clients from minority religions, whether through subtle microaggressions, lack of cultural recognition, or systemic barriers (Marks et al., 2019). Promoting religious pluralism in practice involves validating clients' religious identities, advocating for equitable treatment, and challenging practices that disadvantage non-Christian communities.
If I had a client whose cultural background was unfamiliar to me, I would ask respectful, open-ended questions like:
1) "How does your cultural identity shape your experiences?" Get the instant assignment help.
2) "Are there traditions, values, or practices that are important for me to know in supporting you?"