Multicultural Health Defining Culture

Learning Objectives Be able to define culture Understand the impact culture has on every day life

Defining Culture Learned patterns of beliefs, values, attitudes and behaviours. Everyone has a culture. Culture is dynamic. Culture is an all pervasive influence Everyone is a unique individual

Defining Culture The following scenario clearly demonstrates how culture impacts on the decisions we make and on the consequences of those decisions.

Defining Culture One way to think about how culture is part of our everyday lives is to consider : 1.We all have certain basic needs as humans (Maslow’s - Hierarchy of Needs) 2.Our environment (development of cultural norms) shapes the way the way we function day to day 3.Although we have a cultural identity our personality and other contextual factors impact on an individuals behaviour.

Defining Culture The following interaction illustrates how culture impacts our daily activities. This example is an extract from “An Unusual Definition of Culture” by O’Sullivan (1994). As you read think about how your cultural background influences your daily activities, what we think, what we say and what we do.

Reflection After you have read the interaction on a unique definition of culture, take a few minutes to think about the things you did today and how your culture impacted them. Document your thoughts using the activity template.

Defining Culture Developing cultural knowledge, skills and behaviours is a process/continuum, it takes time and experience. ‘The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down’ by Anne Fadiman is a good read.

Conclusion This presentation has defined culture and multiculturalism. The next presentation looks at the cultural factors that impact on health care