Does Ethnicity Matter? Social Workers’ Personal Attitudes and Professional Behaviors in Reporting Child Maltreatment.
Abstract
This study examined differences in the attitudes of professional social workers
regarding corporal punishment and the perception and reporting of child maltreatment,
according to the worker’s ethnic group membership (Asian, Black American, Black
Caribbean, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic White). Data were obtained by mailed
questionnaires from 808 members of the New York City chapter of NASW. Data were
analyzed by analysis of variance. Results indicate that approval of corporal punishment
and perception of maltreatment differed according to ethnic group membership.
However, ethnicity had no effect on the likelihood of reporting maltreatment. Findings
suggest that social work values override personal-culture values in the execution of jobrelated responsibilities. Implications for education and practice are discussed.
Description
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Article
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Keywords
culture, professional attitudes
Citation
2. Ashton, V. (2010). Does Ethnicity Matter? Social Workers’ Personal Attitudes and Professional Behaviors in Reporting Child Maltreatment. Advances in Social Work, 11(2), 129-143.