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Case Presentation

Bridgette Black

Student Background

School: Rowland Norment Elementary Culture: Arabic Age: 3rd Grade Sex: Male Problem: Disrespect female authority

Cultural Competence

Understanding cultural differences Taking into account beliefs, values, activities, and customs which distinguish different cultures.

Problem Statement

Student had a problem with female authority. If the teacher told him to sit down, he would respond no, I tell you to sit down. Student did not see that women held authority over him.

Services
Received referral from the teacher Made a home visit to the students home Students mother received the same treatment teachers did however, she was very submissive almost to the point of obscure Scheduled meeting at school with the father. Informed him of the students treatment of female authority. Acknowledged the cultural differences in treatment of women but disrespecting teachers shows other students it is okay and the teacher loses her level of authority in the eyes of students.

Services Cont
Father was very agreeable and the student was brought into the conference. Father informed him that while at school he was to listen. To view the women as authority figures in the school setting. Student listened and there has not been a problem after. *This is not the case with all Arabic families however some adhere strictly to their culture and this was one of those families that did.*

Biases
I did have my guard up initially when going into this interview. I felt that if the student felt it okay to treat women with such a blatant disrespect, he had to have learned it from the male figure in the family. I had reservations because being that it is their culture, I thought I would be disrespected as well by the father.

Value Differences

Clearly the main value difference was the treatment of women. I view us as equals while the student and father viewed them as inferior.

Life Experiences

The way he was raised. His culture did not see women as equals and this is how he grew up. I do not think that will change necessarily but I do believe he will realize when it is and is not okay to treat women as inferiors.

Recommendation

Home visit and conference with the father were the initial recommendations which were successful so no further recommendation was made.

Changes For the Agency


I think teachers and staff could be more educated on cultural differences. The teacher just thought she had a spoiled brat in her class. When I followed up with her and told her about how it works in his culture, she seemed a little shocked. I was shocked she did knew so little. A cultural education/sensitivity would not be a bad idea for teachers and staff even if they feel they already know everything.

Competency & Practice Behaviors


Competency 4: Engage diversity and difference in practice P.B. 4.1: Recognize the extent to which a cultures structure and values may oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create or enhance privilege and power P.B. 4.2: Gain sufficient self-awareness to eliminate the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse groups P.B. 4.4: View themselves as learners and engage those with whom they work as informants.

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