• DiNitto, D. M., & Johnson, D. H. (2016). Social welfare: Politics and public policy (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
o Chapter 12, “The Challenges of a Diverse Society: Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration” (pp. 471–528)
• United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. (1969). UN International Convention on the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination.http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/CERD.aspx. Retrieved from http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/CERD.aspx
• Chapin, R. K. (1995). Social policy development: The strengths perspective.https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rzh&AN=107359101&site=ehost-live&scope=site&authtype=shib&custid=s6527200. Social Work, 40(4), 506–514. doi:10.1093/sw/40.4.506
• Watch the Charleston: The Days After video found in the Learning Resources.
• Not in Our Town. (n.d.-a). Charleston: The days afterLinks to an external site. [https://www.niot.org/niot-video/charleston-days-after-0]. Retrieved September 12, 2017, from https://www.niot.org/niot-video/charleston-days-after-0
Post
• Identify obstacles present in the quest for racial equality.
• Explain how you as a social worker can work toward racial equality in policy implementation.
• Explain how your identified obstacles are similar or different
Title: Overcoming Obstacles in the Pursuit of Racial Equality
Thesis Statement: The quest for racial equality faces numerous obstacles, including systemic discrimination, cultural biases, and policy shortcomings. Social workers play a pivotal role in promoting racial equality by advocating for policy reforms, addressing institutional biases, and fostering inclusive practices.
The pursuit of racial equality is impeded by various obstacles, such as systemic discrimination, cultural biases, and inadequate policy responses. Systemic discrimination manifests in disparities in employment opportunities, education, and criminal justice, perpetuating racial inequalities. Cultural biases contribute to stereotypes and prejudices that hinder the advancement of racial equality. Moreover, policy shortcomings, including insufficient anti-discrimination laws and inadequate enforcement mechanisms, pose significant barriers to achieving racial equity.
As a social worker, working toward racial equality in policy implementation involves actively advocating for policies that address systemic inequalities and promote diversity and inclusion. This may include supporting initiatives that aim to eliminate discriminatory practices in housing, employment, and education. Social workers can also engage in community organizing efforts to raise awareness of racial disparities and advocate for policy reforms that prioritize equity and social justice.
The identified obstacles to racial equality are similar in their impact on perpetuating systemic disparities, yet differ in their manifestations and implications. Systemic discrimination and cultural biases intersect to create barriers that limit opportunities for marginalized communities, while inadequate policies contribute to the perpetuation of these disparities. Despite their differences, these obstacles collectively hinder the realization of racial equality and necessitate comprehensive and targeted interventions to address them effectively.
In conclusion,
the pursuit of racial equality is hindered by multifaceted obstacles that require concerted efforts to overcome. Social workers play a crucial role in advancing racial equality through policy advocacy, community engagement, and fostering inclusive practices. By addressing systemic discrimination, cultural biases, and policy shortcomings, social workers can contribute to dismantling barriers and promoting equity for all individuals, irrespective of their race or ethnicity.