Critical Multicultural Practice in Social Work: New perspectives and practices

Critical multicultural practice, rather than being a specialism, is integral to Australian social work. Drawing on critical race theory, critical multiculturalism, intersectionality and critical reflection as practice theory, this major new edited collection challenges many of the dominant assumptions of cross-cultural social work and provides instead a new model of transformative engagement. Key concepts are considered, including identity, culture, diversity and superdiversity, how power and privilege shape everyday interactions and what is meant by citizenship in the contemporary context. Part One explores the changing nature of multicultural practice in Australia, including our society's changing demographic profile, the impact of asylum and refugee migrations, race and racism and cultural identity. Indigenous perspectives and the relationship with multicultural practice are examined, together with the ethical and legal basis for multicultural practice. This part concludes with an outline of the editors' framework for critical multicultural practice. Part Two draws on contributions from a range of practitioners and offers new perspectives on diverse fields, including child protection, mental health, disability, ageing, homelessness and rural and regional practice. Featuring case studies and insights drawn from across the spectrum of practice, this book is a vital resource for all social workers practising in Australia today. '[A] rich and nuanced analysis of what is happening at the interfaces of our work and the lives of Australian citizens, [it] articulates ways forward that are genuine, bold and empathetic.' From the foreword by Professor Kerry Arabena, The University of Melbourne

Table of Contents:
Table and figures Editors and contributors Acronyms and abbreviations Foreword Introduction Part I: Understanding ethnic diversity 1 Australia and its 'others': Multicultural theory, policy and practice 2 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights and multicultural responsibilities 3 The ethical, legal and policy context of critical multicultural practice 4 Critical multiculturalism in practice Part II: Fields of practice 5 Critical multiculturalism and disproportionality in child protection- 6 Mental health and critical multicultural practice: An arts-based approach 7 Beyond the silos: Towards transformative social work practice with people from refugee backgrounds living with a disability 8 Ageing and ethnicity 9 Critical multicultural practice: Domestic violence, and refugees and asylum seekers 10 A relational pedagogy: A YoungMILE in our decolonising social work practice journey 11 Critical multicultural resettlement practice 12 Nationless, homeless and seeking asylum: Considerations for social workers 13 Working with community groups 14 Responding to rural and regional multiculture 15 Critical multicultural practice with ethnic minority children and their families Index

About the Author :
Dr Sharlene Nipperess is Lecturer in Social Work at RMIT University and is a co-editor of Allen & Unwin's Doing Critical Social Work. Professor Charlotte Williams, OBE, is Deputy Dean, Social Work at RMIT University. She is the co-author of Social Work in a Diverse Society, and editor of Social Work and the City: Urban themes in 21st century social work.