CLAD CHAPTER 8 PRESENTATION: CULTURAL DIVERSITY By Mona Aliari

Historical Perspectives  The United States has often used the metaphor of a “melting pot” to describe its diverse population.  However, those groups who have resisted assimilation pressures have come up with a more modern metaphor of a “salad bowl”, implying a mix in which the individual ingredients retain their flavor and texture.  Groups that are least similar to the original European-American immigrants have suffered discrimination, exploitation, and genocide.

Causes of Immigration  Economic Factors  Self-Advancement  Political Factors  Repression, civil war, change in government  Religious Factors  Escape from religious persecution  Family Unification  Once settled, immigrants seek to bring family members to the United States

Immigration Laws and Policies  Economic cycles in the United States have affected immigration policies.  Liberalizing the policies when workers were needed and restricting immigration when jobs were scarce

Migration  Much of the history of the United States consists of the migration of groups from one part of the country to another, due to crowding or the promise of greater economic freedom.  The most mobile population between 1995 and 2000 was Hispanics (56%)  The least mobile population between 1995 and 2000 was non-Hispanic Whites (43%)

Contributions  Immigrants have brought with them cultural, political, religious, and economic values, along with multiple tongues and various skills.  Immigrants contribute material aspects of their culture (crafts, foods, technology), as well as nonmaterial aspects (family values, spiritual beliefs, medical practices)

Exploitation  Minorities’ labor, art, and votes have long been used and abused without adequate compensation.  For example, Native Americans brought food to the starving colonists and, in return, had their land taken away.  This exploitation continues to this day with the inadequately paid, undereducated underclass of the United States, living without health benefits or adequate housing.  Whether white, brown, or black

Poverty among Minority Groups  Poverty is associated with a number of difficulties, such as underemployment, homelessness, educational deprivation, single parent homes, and other types of instability.  However, some minorities continue in poverty due to racism and discrimination  Issues related to poverty include insufficient income, jobs with limited opportunity, lack of health insurance, inadequate education, and poor nutrition.

Education of Minorities  Minority students typically live in racially isolated neighborhoods and are more likely to attend segregated schools.  A student who is Black, Latino, or Native American remains much less likely to succeed in school, and a major factor is a disparity of resources in inner-city schools.  The educational system of the United States has been fundamentally weak in serving the fastest growing school-age population.

Why Should School Psychologists Care?  Culturally Competent Crisis Response  School psychologists need to be aware of how multiple factors and student diversity influence the provision of crisis intervention services.  School psychologists need to be able to connect with, respond to, and interact effectively with their pupils.  As the immigrant population in the United States increases, so does the need for schools to support immigrant students and their families.  By providing support to immigrant families and students in need, schools ensure that immigrant students not only develop a sense of belonging but also learn in an environment that fosters success and achievement.

Topics to Discuss  What are the advantages/disadvantages of the “English-only” movement?  Is there any time when you felt different or discriminated against?