Multicultural Issues in Social Work

Multicultural Issues in Social Work was designed to help professionals in the human services understand and appreciate cultural diversity. Greater understanding must be supported by sound research to rebut some of the rhetoric and distortions in the public arena. This unique collection of chapters reflects solid, heavy-duty research. However, this book also contains thoughtful essays and practice pieces that will attract individuals who don't normally look at research, enabling them to understand the underpinnings of research. Chapters from outstanding writers in the field address policy, law, education, health care, and the delivery of services; they look at many different racial and ethnic groups as well as age groups from children to elders. Knowledge in these areas is essential for human services workers who must possess cross-cultural competency if they are to succeed in alleviating human problems and helping individuals remain productive and healthy citizens.

Issues surrounding cultural diversity permeate modern society and thus must be addressed in all settings; however, the workplace is often the focus for concerns and conflicts that may arise. In my own state of Hawaii, cultural diversity is the rule, not the exception. This diversity is not only accepted but sought after by organizations seeking to compete in the international market. Our society is changing so rapidly that a diverse workforce is becoming commonplace. For example, it is estimated that in the very near future, 85 percent of the new jobs in the labor force will be filled by women, minorities, and immigrants. Projections show that as the labor pool becomes more diverse, the number of people with technical skills will shrink. It would therefore seem logical that the contributions of every employee should be maximized. Organizations that are looking to the future will have to evaluate the impact that diversity in our society will have on the marketing of their products and services. What better way for an organization to ensure innovation than through the cultivation of a diverse workforce. Certainly one must have an understanding of multicultural differences to achieve this goal.

As society evolves, we encounter more diversity in our workplaces, in our neighborhoods, and in every other facet of our lives. Our entire country depends on individuals obtaining a greater understanding of the similarities and differences among ethnic, racial, and cultural groups. Certain professions will have to play a key role if we are to obtain this fuller understanding, and social work is clearly among the most important. I applaud the NASW Press for producing this scholarly, valuable book, which definitely provides knowledge needed by human services workers to promote and foster cross-cultural understanding.

Daniel K. Inouye
United States Senator, Hawaii
January 1996