CULTURALLY COMPETENT SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE IN ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN MALAYSIA

Abstract

In the poem We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat, the author Barr (2020) vividly describes how COVID-19 impacts people differently. Indeed, at this time of a global health crisis, questions arise as to whether culture makes a difference in the way people respond to it and react to the subsequent policy measures globally and locally. As social workers rise to the challenges posed by the pandemic in carrying out their various roles, is the issue of cultural competence still relevant? In this paper, the author explores culturally competent social work practice in responding to the varied needs of the people in the face of the pandemic. Based on three major approaches of cultural competence: cultural knowledge, cultural awareness, and power analysis approach, the author discusses how each approach provides social workers with different lenses to view the experiences of people and in turn, play social work roles professionally. The paper concludes with the remarks of ‘unity in diversity and how professional social workers may help forge solidarity among Malaysians and professional social workers worldwide.