ABSTRACT
Group work with diverse students is addressed using oppression and marginalization as the frameworks from which group leaders can conceptualize group members’ problems, behaviors, and actions. Because research indicates that people from oppressed backgrounds (e.g. ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, the materially poor, gay and lesbian persons) are more likely to avoid counseling experiences, to drop out prematurely from counseling, and to report lower outcomes, it is important that group leaders become more responsive to member experiences of discrimination, prejudice, and inequities. Leaders can act to prevent or address these issues in the group. Also, because oppressed and marginalized students are accustomed to being silenced and are often made to feel inferior, leaders must be skilled in working with students who are quiet, suspicious, pessimistic, cynical and even angry. The ways that issues of oppression and marginalization may influence each stage of the group process also will be introduced. Finally, the chapter ends with a discussion of dilemmas that may arise when implementing groups with culturally diverse members.
