Culture and Health – session plan 2.15 – Quiz – Samar Shefta 2.35 – Health Beliefs in Papua New Guinea – Jess Keebles 2.55 – Culture and Health – introductory ideas – Maggie Eisner 3.15 – tea break 3.45 – group work

Culture and health some introductory ideas Maggie Eisner, June 2010

Ethnicity Identification with a social group on grounds of culture, common origin, and shared history

Ethnicity Genetic inheritance (‘Race’?) Geographical origin Religion Nationality History/ Migration Culture Language

Culture Complex social phenomenon Shared beliefs, values and attitudes that guide behaviour of members Dynamic concept - keeps changing We are all multicultural

“Iceberg model” Kreps and Kunimoto (1994) Gender Age Ethnicity Language Skin colour Sea level Religious practice Socio-economic status Occupation Sexual orientation Religious belief Political ideology Disability and health Cultural beliefs, expectations

Your cultural identity Which cultural groups would others say you belong to (top of iceberg)? Which other cultural groups do you feel you belong to (bottom of iceberg)?

Cultural competence Well meaning blunders Cultural knowledge Tendency to stereotype Bigotry Cultural acceptance

‘Culltural health beliefs’ and the consultation Be curious about other cultures It’s always OK to ask Keep questioning your assumptions Don’t forget – culture is complex and multidimensional culture is dynamic, not static most people are a mixture of cultures

Groups after tea Health beliefs in your family and others you know Your consultations in which exploring culturally related health beliefs has been important