In what arenas or venues do you see ethnic diversity interfere with the Problem-Solving Process? What are the factors driving this tension and what techniques can be used to avoid intensifying the issue? Reply in 250-300 words. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts.

The problem-solving process involves first identifying the problem, setting of goals, identification of alternates creating an understanding and a working contract and then action and evaluation of the desired results being achieved. The first step in the problem-solving process itself is very important as defining the problem incorrectly may lead the entire process derailed. There are issues to deal with as the perspective of the client may be entirely different from how actually the problem is perceived by the worker. There are individual and ethnic differences that exist between people which may lead the wrong recognition of the problem (Levine, 2013).

Because of the underlying cultural differences, clients may simply have an opinion that it would be very difficult for a social worker to truly understand their problems (Levine, 2013). For examples, Latinos might feel that their challenges related to mental health due to lack of access to health insurance or documentation issues is difficult for an American worker to understand as he may have never faced that situation. The challenge for a social worker is to create a degree of trust in the relationship by striving to understand the differences by showing cultural sensitivity. A simple way of doing it would be to learn the may Latinos greet one another in their language. It might not be enough but it would give a start to a positive conversation. Understanding how they communicate, both verbally and nonverbally is important and workers truly need to exhibit their intent to understand them.

Levine, J. (2013). Working with People: The Helping Process (9th ed.). Retrieved from https://redshelf.com/