Cultural singularity: informing white practitioners who serve non-white clientele

Abstract

Social work practitioners confront formidable challenges from non-white clientele. These challenges require theoretical constructs to improve services, which include: (1) cultural singularity; (2) double consciousness; (3) the dual perspective; (4) the bleaching syndrome; and (5) honorary white people. Cultural singularity pertains to white practitioners whose native culture is standard. Double consciousness pertains to dual cultures. The dual perspective is a social work account of double consciousness. The bleaching syndrome is manifested in the honorary white person. In order to enhance assimilation and reduce singularity, social workers must acknowledge non-white cultural traditions that have assets, capacities, and strengths that should be valued. Subsequently, the integrity and prestige of social work will be sustained.