CULTURAL DIVERSITY CHAPTER 9

CULTURE, ETHNICITY, AND RACE Health care workers are involved with many different people Respect individuality Be aware of factors that cause each person to be unique Influence is cultural/ethnic heritage

CULTURE Culture- Values, beliefs, attitudes, language, symbols, rituals, behaviors, and customs unique to a particular group of people Passed from one generation to next Often defined set of rules Foundation of behavior, but variances (continues)

CULTURE Culture is learned- does not just happen; it is taught Culture is shared- common practices and beliefs are shared with others in a cultural group Social in nature- individuals in the group understand appropriate behavior based on tradition that has been passed down from generations Dynamic and constantly changing- new ideas may generate different standards for behavior

ETHNICITY Classification of people based on national origin and/or culture Share common heritage, geographic location, national origin, social customs, language, and beliefs Common ethnic groups Subgroups within larger ethnic groups

RACE Based on physical or biological factors Color of skin, hair, and eyes Facial features Blood types Bone structure Race cuts across multiple ethnic and cultural groups

CULTURAL DIVERSITY Differences among people resulting from cultural, ethnic, and racial factors These differences influence a person’s behavior Differences exist within ethnic/cultural groups United States called a “melting pot,” or is it more accurately a “salad bowl?”

ACCULTURATION Process of learning the beliefs and behaviors of a dominant culture and assuming some of the characteristics Every individual has unique blend of characteristics Need to develop sensitivity to differences

Bias: preference or inclination that inhibits impartial judgment Prejudice: strong feelings or beliefs about a person or subject; pre-judging others without reviewing facts or information; often based on fear Stereotyping: making the assumption that everyone in a group is the same BIAS, PREJUDICE, AND STEREOTYPING (continues)

BIAS, PREJUDICE, AND STEREOTYPING Creates barriers to relationships Health care workers need to avoid feelings and assumptions What are ways to avoid bias, prejudice, and stereotyping?

UNDERSTANDING CULTURAL DIVERSITY Cultural and ethnic beliefs will affect behavior Health care worker needs to be aware of these beliefs to meet the physical, social, emotional, and mental needs of individuals: holistic care

UNDERSTANDING CULTURAL DIVERSITY ( CONTINUED ) Family organization Nuclear- mother, father, and children Extended- includes nuclear family plus grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins Patriarchal versus matriarchal Recognition and acceptance of family organization is essential in all aspects of the health care field (continues)

UNDERSTANDING CULTURAL DIVERSITY Language Personal space and touch Eye contact Gestures Health care beliefs Spirituality and religion

RESPECT CULTURAL DIVERSITY Regard each individual as unique Everyone adopts beliefs and forms a pattern of behavior based on culture, ethnicity, race, life experiences, spirituality, and religion Health care workers must learn to respect differences in individuals