Intergroup Relations
- Any aspect of human interaction where people see themselves as belonging to a social category
- Groups dynamics are made up of people’s unique values & identities
- Creates sense of belonging, love, affiliation
- Social support & shared purpose
Key Terms
| Term | Definition |
| Social Identity | The part of an individual’s self-concept derived form perceived membership in social group |
| Group Membership | Belonging to a collective of individuals who share common characteristics, values or interests |
| In group/ Out group | In groups = people we identify with Out groups = people we see as different to us |
| Group cohesion | The strength of solidarity between members of a group |
Example: The Matildas
- Australian women’s soccer team
- Shared values of teamwork, resilience, respect, dedication, inspiration
- Strong group identity
Layers of Identity
| Individual | Social | Cultural |
| Personal values, beliefs, experiences | Groups that you identify with | Ethic groups you belong to |
Stereotypes, Prejudice & Discrimination
Stereotypes = assumptions about individuals based on group membership
Prejudice = negative attitudes toward people based on stereotypes
Discrimination = unfair treatment of individuals because of their group identity
Group Dynamics in Professional Settings
Benefits of Group Cohesion
- Strong cohesion –> better teamwork, motivation, suppirt
- Shared purpose
- Belonging
- Improve social & professional performance
Risk of Exclusion & Bias
- Group boundaries can lead to exclusion and bias
- Threatens group effectiveness
Strategies for Fostering Inclusion
- Build trust
- Encourage open communication
- Challenge assumptions
- Value diverse perspectives
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Key Terms
| Term | Definition |
| Equity | Providing people with resources tailored to their needs so everyone has a fair chance to succeed |
| Diversity | Respecting and valuing differences within a group |
| Inclusion | Creating environments where all individuals feel welcomed & respected regardless of identity |
Equality vs Equity
Equality = giving everyone the same resources & opportunities regardless of starting point
Equity= giving people resources based on their circumstances so they can reach the same outcome
Benefits & challenges of diversity
Benefits:
- Brings new perspectives & skills
- Enhances empathy
- Encourages innovation
- Strengthens social cohesion
Challenges:
- Risks of exclusion
- Misunderstandings
- Systemic disadvantages
- Discrimination
Strategies to maximise benefits:
- Practice inclusion intentionally
- Develop inclusive policies
- Reflect on own biases
- Seek out diversity
Indigenous Perspectives
- Wellbeing is holistic
- Body, mind, spirit, land, family, community
- Has a spiritual element to it
Applying EDI Principles
Upholding EDI Principles
- Commit to treating all people fairly
- Actively work against discrimination
Self Awareness of Biases
- Regularly reflect on your own cultural values & potential biases
Ongoing Learning
- Engage in continous education
- Seek feedback
- Be adaptable
Maintaining Ethical Boundaries
- Balance empathy with professionalism
- Respect client autonomy
- Know when to refer
Cultural Responsivity, Relevance, and Reinforcement (CRRR)
Cultural Responsivity
- Be mindful & aware of how social structures can marginalise people
- Celebrate diversity
- Recognise intergenerational trauma
- Practice accountability
Cultural Relevance
- Making sure that practices & policies are suitable for the community
- Include diverse groups in decision making
Cultural Reinforcement
- Value and celebrate heritage, language, lived experiences of diverse groups
- Encourage their capacity for social change
- Celebrate stories and worldviews
Communication in Diverse Settings
Barriers to communication
| Language differences | It can be hard to understand people who speak different languages |
| Cultural misunderstandings | Different beliefs, values or customs leading to confusion |
| Nonverbal misinterpretation | Body language can have different meanings across cultures |
| Assumptions about shared meaning | Assuming behaviours mean the same thing to everyone can cause misunderstandings |
Working with Interpreters
- Helps navigate language barriers
- Nuance might be lost
- Meaning can be lost in translation
Before the session
- Brief interpreter on session purpose
- Talk about any sensitive topics that might come up
- Allow them to build rapport separately with client
During the session
- Speak directly to client, not interpreter
- Observe client’s non verbal cues
- Avoid technical language that might not translate well
- Maintain confidentiality by not making side comments to interpreter
After the session
- Debrief with interpreter to clarify and discuss any issues
- Try to arrange for the client to work with the same interpreter for future sessions
