Exploring the Development of Multicultural Competence in Social Work Education

• Published in: Multiculture & Peace Vol. 13; no. 2; pp. 66 - 82
• Main Author: Ann-seo Jang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 다문화평화연구소 01.08.2019
• Subjects: 학제간연구
• ISSN: 2092-576X
• DOI: 10.22446/mnpisk.2019.13.2.004

Modernization and globalization of society, cultural diversity on the one hand and mixture of cultures on the other hand requires multicultural competence from helping professionals, including social workers. According to literature reviews, multicultural competence, as well as other professional competences, consists of knowledge, skills and attitudes, the education of which should be continuous, consistent and lasting whole lifetime. In order to find multicultural competence in social work education, research was conducted surveying social work fourth-year students and interviewing graduates with international social work practice. Respondents were asked about different aspects of multicultural education during their studies: knowledge and skills necessary for multicultural competence, multicultural experience, multicultural competences and social work education. Data analysis showed that student's opinion about knowledge and skills related to multicultural competence is positive, but critical. They defined what they need for improving their multicutural competence. Survey research revealed that social work student during their studies practiced at least three forms of multicultural social work: activities at the national level, professional exchange of knowledge and international practice. Social worker graduates with multicultural social work practice stated that multicultural competence not only enables social workers to have more opportunities for careers, but also have a positive impact on personal and professional growth. KCI Citation Count: 0