Exploration and Implication of Value Orientation Patterns in Social Policy-Practice with Ethnic Communities in Bangladesh

Abstract

Purpose: Value orientation patterns (VOPs) are the fundamental existential and relational problems among traditional ethnic communities in Bangladesh. Using Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck’s analytical framework (e.g., man-nature, human nature, time, activity, and relation), we explore, compare, and imply VOPs and its interrelationships in social policy-practice among Muslim, Hindu, Santal, and Oraon ethnic groups in Bangladesh. Method: For research purpose, 585 respondents (Muslim = 150 and 145 per for Hindu, Santal, and Oraon) were selected through cluster random sampling from Rasulpur union, Naogaon, Bangladesh. Relevant data were collected through semistructural questionnaire method with interview technique. We explored and analyzed variations in VOPs among the ethnic groups using Pearson chi-squire test. Spearman rank order correlation technique was applied to analyze interrelationships of the VOPs studied. Results: The descriptive findings showed that VOPs of the ethnic groups explored were the first ranges and directions in Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck’s framework used. The results suggested that the VOPs examined in the study were significantly different and also interrelated at p < 0.01 level among the ethnic groups in Rasulpur of Bangladesh. Conclusion and Implications: The cross-cultural findings on the differences in and relationships between VOPs, that were traditional-emotional in nature, may exert effects on interpersonal and interethnic community relations in Bangladesh. The findings, therefore, may be implied in comparative social policy to design culturally sensitive sociocognitive programs intended to change in the ethnic communities’ traditional-emotional VOPs into rational-pragmatic ones. Social work practitioners also may practice their social knowledge and skills to change in VOPs and build up harmonious, justified, and balanced interethnic group relations in Bangladesh.