Appreciating Culture Diversity and Social Responsibility Flashcards
Culture
Encompasses norms and social behaviours, and beliefs, capabilities, customs, habits, knowledge and laws of the people within a group
What is important to remember about individuals within cultures
Each person is still unique even though the person may strongly be connected with a particular culture or ethnic group. The extent to which a person endorses or embraces cultural beliefs may vary considerably and each person may be part of different groups (more than one).
Importance of culture when it comes to professional practice
All of us has our own worldview and this worldview may differ from other peoples. Professionals have an ethical responsibility to provide professional services that demonstrate respect for the cultural worldviews, values and traditions of culturally diverse clients. It is critical that a professional’s worldview does not adversely impact their clients.
Visible minority
Defined by the Employment Equity Act as “persons, other than Aboriginal peoples, who are non-Caucasian in race or non-white in colour”
Cultural pluralism
A perspective in which the complexity of cultures and values, and the diversity of beliefs and values are recognized
Cultural tunnel vision
A perception of reality based on a very limited set of cultural experiences
What is a culturally encapsulated professional?
Someone who defines reality according to one set of cultural assumptions and shows insensitivity to cultural variations among individuals. They fail to evaluate their viewpoints and make little attempts to accommodate the behaviour of others
Canada’s federal multiculturalism policy
Was adopted in 1971. Some see multicultural messages as discouraging newcomers from adopting Canadian values, participating in the mainstream culture and society and encourages the creation of ethnic ghettos.
How do we reach diverse client populations?
Multicultural professional competencies provide a framework for the effective delivery of services to diverse client populations. Professionals also need to reflect on their own assumptions and challenge stereotypical beliefs and cultural bias.
Common assumptions
- Self-disclosure is a characteristic of a healthy personality
- Directness and assertiveness are desirable qualities
- It is important for clients to become authentic and self-actualized
- Direct eye contact is a sign of interest and presence, and a lack thereof is a sign of being evasive
Racial micro aggressions
Brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioural, or environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative racial slights and insults toward people of other races
Colour blindness
A racial micro aggression where someone claims they don’t “see colour”
Oppression
Oppression exists in the form of racism, sexism, heterosexism, classism, ageism and ableism and has negative influences on the mental health of members of minority groups. Usually occurs in the form of degrading interactions or policies that create disadvantage.
Social justice
Involves access and equity to ensure full participation in the life of a society, particularly for those who have been systematically excluded on the basis of race/ethnicity, gender, age, disability, education, sexual orientation, SES, or other characteristics. Social justice advocates for improved systems and policies for people who are marginalized.
