School Psychology

Running Head : Multiculturalism in Counseling

MULTICULTURALISM IN COUNSELING

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ABSTRACT

Stemming from the uprising in the 1960s , multiculturalism has presented serious challenges to the society , especially to the academic sector Criticized by social groups , schools were inclined to adopt programs in recognition of the multicultural population , and later structured their systems to cater to the needs of the growing population . Today multiculturalism has become an important consideration in designing school programs , facilities , and hiring policies

. Particularly , school counseling was one area that went through a notable change . The introduction of this gives a brief historical background of multiculturalism in school counseling . It discusses how multiculturalism was incorporated into the school curriculum , and was adopted in school counseling . The main part of this discusses the competencies every school counselor must possess to address the needs of multicultural students . Anchoring on the three core competencies set by the AMCD , this presents ways on how one can be knowledgeable of clients worldviews in to serve them best . In addition , it suggests other devices or strategies counselors may consider when dealing with multicultural students . The conclusion of the summarizes the ideal characteristics of a counselor , and presents further considerations school administrators and counselors can make to ensure effective counseling strategies which adhere to the demands of multiculturalism

Introduction

Multiculturalism as Rosado (1997 ) defines , is a system of values and behaviors which recognizes and respects the presence of all diverse groups in society - their identities , values and socio-cultural differences . In addition , multiculturalism supports continued contribution of the culture in the society

Based on this definition , we can view multiculturalism as the harmonious coexistence of different cultures in the society . In the author 's view culture is not limited to bases of origin . Culture may arise from similar beliefs , attitudes , or feelings of a certain group of people Thus , it also encompasses those who have the same subcultures based on values , economic status , socio-political status , or gender Particularly , those who have the same subculture based on gender include women , gays , lesbians and transgender individuals . In the same manner people belonging to the same economic status or religion share a similar subculture that establishes their diversity from others . In this study we refer to multicultural people as those who embody a different set of cultures and subcultures , other than the native culture or the majority As such , we may define multiculturalism as an approach that recognizes diversity in culture among different ethnic , gender , economic socio-political , and religious backgrounds

Multiculturalism has also become a prevalent in school counseling It has prompted psychologists and educators around the world to review school practices that hamper culturally diverse students from performing well in school . Now that the growing population of multiculturally diverse students seems to be taking over the White population , the challenges that go with implementing multiculturalism in counseling would probably be more relevant in the next decades

Multiculturalism in Counseling

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