Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Utilizing The Six Generic Human Service Competencies And Ecological Systems Theory As A Basis To Understanding Barriers Faced By Marginalized Clients, Kaprea Johnson, Matthew Bonner

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

The term "marginalized" is used to indicate that a person or group of people have been disenfranchised from society because their identity is considered insignificant or is not valued in the surrounding social milieu. Clients from marginalized populations encounter a range of barriers and have specific needs related to being disenfranchised. This article highlights the six generic human service competencies along with ecological systems theory as a framework for understanding the barriers faced by marginalized populations. It concludes with implications for human service professionals.