A Critical Examination of Immigrant Acculturation: Toward an Anti-Oppressive Social Work Model with Immigrant Adults in a Pluralistic Society

Abstract

Summary Today, in North America, the idea of complete assimilation of immigrants no longer seemsrelevant. Under the commonly espoused ideologies of multiculturalism and pluralism, thegoal of social work with immigrants is now integration into the host society, whether thatbe economically, socially and/or psychologically (Li, 2003). However, critics argue that thetraditional idea of immigrant assimilation continues to lurk behind social policies and socialservices for immigrants, in that the successful in tegration of immigrants is prompted by theirconformation to the dominant culture (Balgopal, 2000). While a growing body of literatureon social work with immigrants has resulted in an increased understanding of this diversepopulation and its needs, the literature still lacks coherent theoretical and ideologicalframeworks necessary to inform effective models of service delivery. Social work literatureon immigrants also requires critical interrogation of the impact of social science theories,particularly in terms of long-held assumptions of culture and acculturation. In this paper, acritical review of literature on acculturation and social work with immigrants will be fol-lowed by findings of a qualitative study with skilled immigrants in Canada. Based on theresearch findings, an anti-oppressive approach to social work with immigrants is proposed.