Wynetta Devore

Ethnic Reality: The Life Model and Work with Black Families

The life model for social work practice lacks specificity in its examples of practice with black families. Case illustrations demonstrate how combining the principles of the model with ethnic sensitive practice would lead to more effective work with black families.

African Americans and Jewish Americans: Searching for a new Song

Abstract Drawing on diverse source materials, the history of oppression of both peoples, dating to Biblical times, as well as more contemporary evils of slavery and the Holocaust are reviewed to show the commonalities in historical experience. Suffering tempered by religious beliefs has also been part of the history of both peoples. Current conflicts as well as shared values are discussed, as the case is made for the importance of understanding these two peoples by social workers. Suggestions for inclusion of materials in the social work curriculum are made.