Agency Context
Demographics
Goodwill Career Connections in Asheville, North Carolina helps community members overcome barriers to employment. Career Connections (CC) has four staff members, and a BSW intern. Staff members work with clients on job applications and resumes in a computer lab. An average of 30 clients …show more content…
The comment seemed like a personal attack rather than a mistake. James, Seth and Chris's jokes stem from conservative backgrounds and heterosexual privilege. They construe identities different from their own as funny and strange. James's religion, Seth's conservative beliefs, and Chris's demeaning attitude towards women created the culture of the boys club. Rooted in conservative backgrounds and heterosexual norms, the culture of the boys club did not align with Danielle's identity as a transgender woman.
Analysis of individual and group concerns
I felt nervous to advocate for Danielle due to fear of being outcast by staff. Sara's busy new job position deterred me from approaching her; I did not want to waste her time. I felt concerned about turning the supervisor against the boys club and ruining the friendly dynamic of CC staff. I knew James depended on his job to support his family: if I told Sara would he get fired?
Analysis, ethical …show more content…
At an individual level they are conservative middle aged men. An interpersonal lens highlights their family and social groups as heterosexual and conservative people. Institution, community, and policy inherently influence these men's beliefs (cite). They live in a conservative community and work at a Christian founded institution. The dilemma with Danielle occurs amidst North Carolina's political debate over bathroom laws.
Lack of exposure to transgender populations impacts the boys' club's social identity. Danielle's identity is funny to them, because it is different from anything they know. Their community, institution, and state policy all promote heterosexism and conservative beliefs. Larger systems encourage discrimination against Danielle; she was abnormal to the boys' club.
Conclusion
James and the boys club treated Danielle inappropriately, and their personal values interfered with their professional behavior. A thorough analysis of agency culture and ethical implications influenced my solution. Guided by the NASW Code of Ethics and the ecological perspective, I decided to confront the boys' club to engage in an educational discussion. I am obligated to fight for social justice and stand up for vulnerable populations as a social