Career Counseling with Minority Groups

Culture and Values Culture consists of a set of attitudes, values, beliefs, and behaviors shared by a group of people Every culture has its own unique value system Influences of cultural values Human nature Person-nature relationship Time orientation Activity Self control Social relationships

Culture and Values Work Values Hoftede (1984) work value differences: Power distance Uncertainty avoidance Individualism/Collectivism Masculinity

Culture and Work Values Brown et. al (2002) Addressing values in the workplace with minority clients Learn work place values Identify value clashes or conflicts Develop a “bi-cultural” identity Become workplace advocates

African Americans Demographics Jackson’s 4 stages of identity development 1. Passive acceptance 2. Active resistance 3. Redirection 4. Internalization Career Counseling Strategies 1. Develop self concept 2. Learning to be more internally directed 3. Learning about job opportunities 4. Clarifying motivational aspirations 5. Learning to cope with White society

Asian Americans Demographics Concerns to Address in Counseling Career Counseling strategies: behavioral techniques 1. Learning self assertion 2. Learning to understand organizational structure 3. Improving communication skills 4. Improving interpersonal skills 5. Learning to understand the work environment 6. Using parents as role models

Hispanic Americans Demographics Fouad (1995) Career Intervention Strategies for Hispanics 1. Determine value system 2. Be flexible 3. Choose appropriate assessment instruments 4. Address school retention (when applicable) 5. Develop self efficacy 6. Provide a variety of occupational choices General Counseling Strategies 3 steps: goal setting, parents, finances

Native Americans Demographics Development 1. Tradition, 2. Transitional, 3. Marginal, 4 Assimilated, 5 Bi-cultural Martin (1995) Career Counseling Strategies 1. Gather tribal information 2. Establish communication style 3. Be flexible 4. Assess English ability 5. Increase knowledge 6. Include hands on learning interventions

World Views Individuals’ perception and understanding of the world Aspects of world views Variance in world views Multicultural competent counselor

Culturally Competent Counselors Possess the ability to recognize self values, assumptions, and biases Understand own level of identity development (Janet Helms White Racial Identity Model) Understand and use culturally sensitive counseling theories Understand the impact of sociopolitical forces on identity development and career development Are sensitive to worldview differences Use counseling strategies effective for ethnic minorities

Multicultural Career Counseling Working with Immigrants Come from a variety of cultures Specific things to address when working with immigrants Legal Status…can they actually work? Examine acculturation and assimilation Examine transferable work skills Examine language ability Examine level of education Suggestions for interviewing multicultural groups (pg 302)

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual General Counseling Issues Stereotyping Homophobia Internalized homophobia Heterosexist assumptions Consequences of discrimination in the workplace Physical violence Hidden discrimination The “lavender ceiling”

Sexual Minorities: Assessing Identity Cass (1979) model of sexual identity development Stage 1. Identity Confusion- not knowing or understanding much about his or her own sexual minority orientation Stage 2. Identity Comparison- the individual acknowledges the possibility of being attracted to the same sex Stage 3. Identity Tolerance- the individual tolerates rather than accepts and identification of an individual whose sexual orientation is different

Sexual Minorities Stage 4. Identity Acceptance- this stage is characterized by continued contacts with other l/g/b persons to validate a new identity and a new way of life Stage 5. Identity Pride- the individual takes pride in disclosing an identity as l/g/b Stage 6. Identity Synthesis- when one accepts his or her sexuality

Views of Homosexuality. What is the influence on career development? Asian Americans More accepted in the majority culture than in Asian culture Yin-Yang emphasis; Gender role emphasis; Tradition Increased levels of intra-cultural discrimination African Americans Less accepting of LGBT persons than majority culture Spirituality, multiple identities Increased levels of intra-cultural discrimination; little support

Views of Homosexuality. What is the influence on career development? Hispanic Not as accepted as in the majority culture Fear rejection from the community Little tolerance for Homosexuality Native American More accepting than other ethnic minority groups “Two-Spirited” Gender roles are not as rigid

Gelberg & Chojnacki (1996) 1. Pre-counseling preparation 2. Establish an affirmative trusting relationship 3. Assess client identity stage and related issues 4. Identity variables that may limit career choice 5. Complete a tailored assessment 6. Complete job search strategies while being conscious of the client’s sexual orientation and stage of identity development

Elliott (1993) Forbidden career for LGB persons Military Food service Teaching or childcare Doctors APA guidelines for working with sexual minorities 1. Be aware of own issues 2. Be comfortable w/ sexual minorities 3. Know when to transfer

Elliott (1993) How to work in the LGB community Market yourself as an LGB career counselor Word of mouth Display paraphernalia that is LGB sensitive Rainbow Books and magazines Host workshops in the LGB community on career development etc.