Yan (2008), based on research findings, has developed a typology of the tensions in cross-cultural relationships. The types of tensions are as follows:
Type 1 relates to the tensions between the cultures of social work clients, the dominant culture, and the culture of the organization in which the service is delivered.
Type 2 pertains to differences between the culture of the social worker, the organization's culture, and the culture of clients.
Although we all seek to have a collective identity and to minimize differences, in reality, in U.S. society, social interactions and professional relationships remain configured around assumptions of sameness, including social class.