Cultural Diversity,
Awareness, and
Competency
Presented by Matthew L. Ware
.
Diversity CLASS
• Change thoughts and behaviors
• Learning about other subcultures
• Adaptation through interaction
• Share experiences
• Sensitivity development
What are some common
Cultural/ Subcultural
steroetypes?
• All black people have no jobs and live in the
ghetto.
• All Asians are smart and stuck up.
• Hispanics have a lot of children, speak no
english and are illegal immigrants.
• All Arab, Iranian, or Middle Easterns are
terrorists.
Other Cultural Stereotypes
• Americans are fat, lazy, and selfish.
• Cheerleaders are Dumb, mean and boy
crazy.
• Rich Kids are spoiled and get everything
they want.
• White people cannot dance.
Basic Concepts
• Culture
• Subculture
• Values
• Norms
Key Concepts
• Cultural Diversity
• Cultural Desire
• Cultural Awareness
• Cultural Competency
Cultural Desire
Cultural desire is defined as the
motivation of the Care Provider to "want
to" engage in the process of becoming
culturally aware, culturally
knowledgeable, culturally skillful, and
seeking cultural encounters. It stands in
contrast to the feeling of "having to"
participate in this process.
Cultural Desire
• Cultural desire is the pivotal and key construct
of cultural competence, for it is the Healthcare
provider’s desire that evokes the entire
process of cultural competence. This desire
must come from one's aspiration, and not out of
one's desperation.
• Cultural desire involves the concept of caring. It
has been said that people don't care how much
you know, until they first know how much you
care .
Cultural Desire Continued
• Cultural desire includes a genuine
passion to be open and flexible with
others, to accept differences and build on
similarities, and to be willing to learn from
others as cultural informants. This type of
learning is a life-long process which has
been referred to as cultural humility
Desire births Competency
• Involves assimilation and acculturation
• Eventually adaptation provides
competency that is comfortable to all
parties involved.
• LEARNING EMPATHY INCREASES
YOUR SELF-CONTROL AND
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE!
Cultural Knowledge and
Awareness
• Definition of cultural knowledge
"Cultural knowledge" is the familiarization with
selected cultural characteristics, history,
traditions, values, belief systems and behaviors
of the members of other ethnic groups.
• Cultural knowledge is not
stereotyping, it is ongoing learning,
understanding and accepting others'
culture, race ethnicity, nationality, religion,
customs or belief systems.
Knowledge/ Awareness
Continued
• Cultural intelligence is a person's
capability to function effectively in
situations characterized by cultural (or
social) diversity. Cultural intelligence is a
critical capability that enhances individual
and organizational effectiveness. It also
enhances interpersonal interactions in a
wide range of social contexts.
Examples of Cultural
Sensitivity in Provision of Care
• African Americans
• Address patients by their formal names, especially
elderly patients.
• Make direct eye contact.
• Because there may be a reluctance to disclose
personal information, explain why the information is
needed before asking.
• Be aware of historic mistrust of the health care
profession by some African American people.
Chinese Patients
• When asking the patient his or her name also ask
how they want to be addressed.
• Be aware that people from China may be more
formal than Americans or other cultures.
• Chinese believe that foods can assist in healing
disease so inquire about food choices and
preferences.
Chinese Cont
• Since treatment decisions are often made by family
members, include all family members medical
discussions if the patient desires.
• Be aware of the importance of "saving face" and
"pride" in the Chinese culture.
• When taking blood samples, explain the need for
such tests. The Chinese culture places great
importance on the blood and considers it the
source of life. Some feel blood is not regenerated.
Muslim Patients
• Muslims can be reluctant to share personal
information with others. Explain the importance of
disclosing such information to health care
providers.
• To gain the patient's trust, consider sharing a small
bit of personal information about yourself.
• Be aware that a family spokesman or even a
community spokesman may represent the patient
when dealing with health care providers.
• Being frank when communicating bad news or
prognosis may not be appropriate
Mexican
• Be aware that religion and spirituality is an
important part of this culture. Allow
religious items, rosary beads, etc. at the
bedside if the family and patient so wishes.
• Be aware that prayer is also important and
may take place at the bedside and include
family and friends.
Other Important Cultural and
Subcultures information
• Cultures
• Subcultures
Cultural Awareness and
Competence Test
• http://www.asha.org/uploadedFiles/Cultur
al-Competence-Checklist-PersonalReflection.pdf
Do’s and Don’ts of Cultural
Competence
• Don’t Stereotype
• Don’t make assumptions
• Avoid Hasty generalizations
• Avoid assessing without adequate knowledge
of facts
• Don’t assume that you are right and “they” are
wrong.
Do’s and Don'ts
• Do become culturally competent
• Do interact with others outside cultural
norm.
• Do regard and respect differences and
cultures/subcultures of others.
Awareness Challenge
• Deprogramming
• Reprogramming
• Getting Rid of Viruses
Questions and Conclusion
• Remember, this is not about education,
but instead about raising consciousness
about your everyday interactions with
those within your particular subcultures!