In this episode from 2022, NPR's Malaka Gharib brings the story of how some Filipino-Americans want to do away with utang all together, especially when it butts up against "American" values of independence and self-reliance. We break down this "debt of the inner soul" — and discover a surprising side to this pre-colonial value.
"In the five decades since that eureka — or, rather, that "yoooo" — moment, hip-hop music and culture has morphed into a multi-billion dollar industry, with billionaire artists, and global fandom. And as hip-hop evolves, its many contradictions become more obvious." -Code Switch
We see the world differently depending on which culturally-informed lenses we have on. In the United States, where military service is not a requirement, being in the military offers a unique set of lenses.
“We can certainly talk about having folks at the table, but once they’re at the table, are we making sure that their voices are heard? Are we making sure that we hear where they’re coming from?”
Culture (Definition from the American Psychological Association Dictionary):
Ethnicity (definition from the Social Work Dictionary):
Ethnic Identity (Definition from the American Psychological Association Dictionary):
National (from the Open Education Sociology Dictionary):
Nationalism (Definition from the American Psychological Association Dictionary):
Why do social workers need to know about culture, ethnicity and nationality?
Social workers must have a deep understanding of culture, ethnicity, and nationality because these factors profoundly shape individuals' identities, worldviews, and experiences. Culture influences how people perceive themselves and others, shaping coping mechanisms, values, and responses to life’s challenges. Ethnicity plays a crucial role in identity formation and social interactions, often impacting how individuals navigate systems, access resources, and experience discrimination or marginalization. Similarly, nationality is more than a legal or political status—it is a key part of a person’s identity, influencing rights, social belonging, and access to services. Given the complexities of migration, systemic inequalities, and cultural diversity, social workers must be culturally competent, sensitive to the unique needs of diverse populations, and committed to advocating for equity and inclusion. This includes recognizing and addressing biases, challenging stereotypes, and working to eliminate systemic barriers that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. By integrating cultural awareness into their practice, social workers can more effectively support individuals and communities in achieving empowerment, dignity, and social justice.
It can be complicated to grow up in a culture that is different from the one your parents or larger family experienced. In this talk, Chris Hanze grapples with the issue of his national identity as a Third Culture Kid.
When someone asks you where you're from … do you sometimes not know how to answer? Writer Taiye Selasi speaks on behalf of "multi-local" people, who feel at home in the town where they grew up, the city they live now and maybe another place or two.
Social workers trained at UCF are taught to understand different cultures of the people they serve.
This video defines the concept of cultural humility and highlights related components. Cultural humility is defined as an ongoing process of self- reflection and self-critique. It entails working collaboratively with clients, and embracing difference. Students, faculty and practitioners reflect on the role of cultural humility in their work and share their insights.
The design of this page was adapted in part from Research: By Course, Subject, or Topic, by University of Arizona Libraries, © 2020 The Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of The University of Arizona, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.