Ethnicity, gender and mental health: Social worker perspectives

Background: This paper draws on a two-year Department of Health research study on social worker conceptualisations of ethnicity, gender and mental health. The findings and discussion are placed within the 'culturalist' and an 'integrative' perspective on the mental health needs of Asian women. It is argued that the culturalist perspective has led to an overemphasis of individual and group differences in theoretical and practice debates, and by design or default has resulted in an under-emphasis of the interconnections between 'race', ethnicity, gender and social class, as well as an underemphasis on the adequacy and appropriateness of existing service provision. The importance of the latter is highlighted in its integrative nature in pointing to the interconnections between race, ethnicity, gender and social class. Aims: To study professional perspectives to enhance understanding of the interconnections of ethnicity, gender, social class and mental health, to promote improved policy, provision and practice. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with social work professionals to obtain their perceptions of Bangladeshi women's mental illness, well-being, sources of stress and service provision. Results: In understanding the mental health situation of Bangladeshi women, a thematic analysis identified a multiplicity of factors including poverty, poor and overcrowded housing, racism, language, culture, religion, and gender and patriarchy. Low use of social services by Bangladeshi women, combined with fear and mistrust and lack of familiarity, raised important concerns about unmet need. Conclusions: Social worker perceptions demonstrate an understanding that suggests that the experience of ethnicity is gendered and that gender relations are ethnically distinct and impacted by social class. The paper highlights the importance of understanding patriarchy and gender relations, as well as the wider context of race and ethnicity and the interconnections between ethnicity, gender and social class.