Diversity, Oppression and Social Functioning ─ Person-in-Environment Assessment and Intervention

Using the “Person-In-Environment” (PIE) theoretical framework, this diversity practice text teaches students how to think about their personal reactions and assumptions about diversity and what constitutes cultural competent “assessment” and “intervention” when working with a broad range of diverse populations.

The diverse populations presented in the text are described within an ecological, strengths perspective. The authors’ thesis is that, in order to work effectively with diverse populations, it is necessary to take into consideration the complex dynamics of social functioning and social oppression. The “Person-In-Environment” theoretical framework provides a basis for analysis of the social, economic, and political reality of these diverse populations. The text presents an affirmative practice approach and builds on the available diversity practice literature.

This text can be used in diversity practice courses, courses on working with oppressed populations, and other practice courses (such as advanced practice) that focus on diversity issues.

Dr. Edgar Colon is a Professor of Social Work at Southern Connecticut State University. Dr. Colon received an Master of Science in Social Welfare from Columbia University and a Doctorate in Social Welfare from the City University of New York Graduate Center at the Hunter College School of Social Work. He has served on Faculty of Social Work of several New York City colleges and universities which include Fordham University, Hunter College and The State University of New York at Stony Brook, to name a few.

Dr. Colon brings to teaching a total of twenty-one years teaching and practice experience, in the areas of social welfare management, social policy, human behavior, social oppression and diversity issues, and clinical practice with substance abuse problems. His professional areas of scholarly interest include:health and mental health with particular focus on clinical practice, program design, planning and organization development in ethnic minority communities.