Social Services and the Ethnic Community

The demand for ethnic-sensitive social services in the twenty-first century continues to grow as ethnic diversity in the United States increases. With demographic projections revealing that populations of color will eventually outnumber Whites, helping professionals are increasingly challenged to define and deliver ethnic-sensitive services. In their meticulously documented and well-organized second edition, Iglehart and Becerra stress that analysis of the origins, evolution, and current state of social service delivery systems to ethnic communities is vital to the provision of ethnic-sensitive practice.

Up-to-date sources provide expanded discussions of ethnic and racial-group history in the United States, White ethnics and their services, ethnicity and the development of social work, and the linkage of mainstream agencies to ethnic communities. Ethnic-sensitive practice is a puzzle that can be assembled through an understanding of the past, identification of contemporary issues, and recognition of the significance of race and ethnicity in American society. Through a synthesis of historical, theoretical, and empirical literature, this important work can empower social service providers to effectively address the needs of ethnic minorities and provide them with increased validation, visibility, and voice within their communities.