Diversity and Social Justice Flashcards

Intersectionality, as theorized by Kimberlé Crenshaw, is best described as:

Answer: The overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination affecting individuals with multiple marginalized identities

Intersectionality examines how race, gender, class, and other identities overlap to create unique compounded experiences of oppression.

A social worker's client expresses shame about needing public assistance due to welfare stigma. Which response reflects a social justice perspective?

Answer: Help the client explore beliefs while contextualizing poverty as a structural, not personal, failure

A social justice lens reframes poverty as a systemic issue, which reduces internalized stigma and supports empowerment.

Which practice model centers clients' strengths and community assets rather than deficits and problems?

Answer: Strengths-based perspective

The strengths-based perspective, associated with Dennis Saleebey, focuses on client capacities, resilience, and community resources rather than deficits.

An LMSW serving refugee clients should be aware that many may avoid mental health services because:

Answer: Mental health stigma, cultural concepts of distress, and mistrust of institutions are common barriers

Cultural stigma around mental illness, culturally specific expressions of distress, and historical trauma involving authorities create multiple barriers for refugees.

The concept of 'minority stress' most directly refers to:

Answer: Excess stress from stigma, discrimination, and prejudice experienced by marginalized groups

Minority stress theory (Meyer, 2003) describes chronic stress unique to stigmatized minority groups arising from social prejudice and discrimination.

A social worker asks a Black client, 'Where are you really from?' The client feels uncomfortable. This interaction is an example of:

Answer: A racial microaggression implying foreignness

Asking someone where they are 'really' from communicates that they are not seen as American, a common microaggression experienced by people of color.

Which of the following best describes environmental justice as it relates to social work practice?

Answer: Addressing the disproportionate burden of environmental hazards on low-income and minority communities

Environmental justice recognizes that toxic facilities, pollution, and climate risks are disproportionately sited in communities of color and low-income areas.