Problem:
Respond to the discussion below by explaining one way in which the writer's experiences could inform and/or influence their social work practice. Make sure to provide APA citations and a reference list.
Growing up, my experiences with social class shaped how I understood opportunity, respect, and access to resources. I became aware of social class differences early through comparisons in housing, education, and financial stability, which often influenced how people were treated and what was expected of them. At times, I experienced classism through assumptions made by others about my abilities or motivations based on my economic circumstances. For example, I recall situations in educational or professional settings where limited financial resources were interpreted as a lack of ambition or responsibility, rather than a reflection of structural barriers. These experiences highlighted how classism operates subtly through stereotypes and lowered expectations, rather than only through overt discrimination. As a result, I developed a heightened awareness of how social class influences interactions and access to opportunities, which has shaped my values around equity, empathy, and advocacy. This perspective informs how I engage with others by challenging assumptions, recognizing systemic barriers, and striving to treat individuals with dignity regardless of their socioeconomic status.
In my Week 1 Who I Am video, I did refer to social class by discussing how my own life experiences have helped me recognize the diversity within my community. Growing up and interacting with people from different economic backgrounds made me aware that social class strongly influences access to resources, opportunities, and overall quality of life. Using my own experiences allowed me to better understand how factors such as income, education, and neighborhood conditions shape people's daily realities and interactions with social systems. As a social worker, this awareness of social class is critically important because it directly impacts how I engage with clients and assess their needs. Understanding social class helps me avoid making assumptions, recognize systemic barriers, and view challenges within a broader structural context rather than as individual failures. It also reinforces the importance of advocacy, cultural humility, and strengths-based practice. By being mindful of how social class affects access to services and power within systems, I can work more effectively to support clients, promote equity, and help reduce the effects of classism in social work practice. Need Assignment Help?
References:
American Psychological Association. (2017, July). Education and socioeconomic status.
Marsiglia, F. F., Kulis, S. S., & Lechuga-Peña, S. (2021). Diversity, oppression, and change: Culturally grounded social work (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.