Engaging Immigrants in Social Service Settings: Importance of Cultural Humility

Abstract

It is critical for social service providers to understand the detrimental effects of racism and discrimination on the well-being of immigrants, emphasizing the complex interplay between cultural factors and racial stratification. Using a culturally humble approach to engagement there are four key cultural elements—familismo, marianismo, machismo, and spiritualismo—that are central to the gender identities of Latina immigrants. This conceptual review synthesizes existing research studies and theoretical models to provide an integrated, culturally responsive framework that helps professionals better understand and address the well-being of Latina immigrants in the United States. The intersectional complexities of race, ethnicity, culture, gender, and immigration in the therapeutic space provides for the tailoring of interventions to the unique needs of Latina immigrants. The meta synthesis reveals how cultural factors such as familismo, marianismo, machismo, and spiritualismo interact with racial stratification, exacerbating the challenges faced by Latina immigrants. The key takeaway of this dialogic is the necessity of integrating cultural humility and intersectional understanding to improve service delivery and support for Latina immigrants, highlighting its importance and implications for social service practices.