Midterm Flashcards
Biculturalism
The ability to function in two cultural environments.
Assimilation
The process by which a cultural group fully adopts the customs and norms of another.
Enculturation
The process by which cultural values and norms are passed from one generation to another.
Acculturation
When an ethnic group adopts some traits of the dominant culture while maintaining its own.
Traditions, Customs, Manners
Practices that define a group’s behaviors and interactions.
Foodways/Food Habits
The ways humans select, prepare, distribute, and consume food.
Mixed Salad / Cultural Plurality
The coexistence of multiple cultures where each retains its identity.
Interculturalism
Interaction and blending of cultural elements.
Cultural Competency
The ability to effectively work with different cultural groups, especially in healthcare and food services.
The Omnivore’s Paradox
Humans can eat a wide variety of foods but prefer familiar ones.
There is a tension between trying new foods and sticking to known ones.
Core Foods
Staples eaten regularly (e.g., rice, wheat, corn).
Complementary Foods
Side foods that enhance taste and nutrition (e.g., spices, sauces).
Secondary Foods
Consumed often but not daily (e.g., meats, vegetables).
Peripheral Foods
Eaten occasionally (e.g., special dishes).
Globalization
Expansion of food access worldwide.
Consumerization
Shift from local foods to mass-produced items.
Modernization
From manual food prep to industrialized production.
Urbanization
Rural to city migration affecting diets.
Commoditization
From homemade to commercially packaged foods.
Slow Food Movement
Founded by: Carlo Petrini (Italian journalist) in 1986 in response to McDonald’s opening near the Spanish Steps in Rome.
Main Goal: To promote traditional, local, and sustainable food over industrial fast food.
3 Principles:
Good – Food should be healthy and taste good.
Clean – Food should be produced with minimal environmental impact and respect for animal welfare.
Fair – Food should be accessible to all and produced under fair conditions for workers.
Biomedical Definition of Health
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
Cultural Perspectives on Health
Some cultures include natural, spiritual, and supernatural elements in health.
Health can be holistic, considering balance in body, mind, and spirit.
Traditional vs. Biomedical Health Views
Biomedicine (Western Medicine):
- Based on scientific research and technology.
- Focuses on treatment of disease.
- Ignores spiritual or supernatural aspects of health.
Traditional Medicine:
- Varies by culture, often includes herbal remedies, prayers, or natural healing.
- Believes balance (yin-yang, hot-cold, etc.) is key to good health.
Four Theories on the Causes of Sickness
Personal Behaviors – (e.g., smoking, diet, lack of exercise).
Natural World Causes – (e.g., viruses, bacteria, environmental factors).
Social World Causes – (e.g., stress, relationships, the “evil eye”).
Supernatural Causes – (e.g., spirits, gods, curses, fate).
Common Practices for Good Health
Proper diet (nutrient balance).
Rest and cleanliness (showering, hygiene varies by culture).
Spiritual balance (meditation, religious fasting, rituals).
Herbal or natural remedies (widely used worldwide).
Thinness vs. Heaviness
In the U.S., thinness = beauty and health.
In some cultures, being heavier is a sign of wealth and well-being.
Cultural differences in food choices affect body weight and health perceptions.
Types of Healing Therapies
Biomedical Approach – Surgery, medication, technology-based treatments.
Natural Remedies – Herbs, botanicals, teas.
Physical Interventions – Massage, acupuncture, chiropractic care.
Magico-Religious Healing – Prayer, rituals, meditation, exorcism.
Examples of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Practices
Osteopathy – Uses hands-on manipulation for healing.
Naturopathy – Uses natural remedies and holistic approaches.
Supernatural Healing – Energy healing, faith healing.
Magico-Religious Interventions – Prayer, pilgrimages, ancestral healing.
Medical Pluralism
A combination of biomedical and traditional healing approaches.
Holistic care that respects cultural preferences.
Used widely in diverse societies like the U.S.
Importance of Intercultural Communication
Involves verbal and nonverbal communication differences.
Includes words, gestures, posture, spatial relationships, time perception, status, and cultural norms.
Effective communication avoids misunderstandings and enhances cross-cultural interactions.
The Iceberg Model of Communication
Visible Aspects (Above the Surface):
Race, age, gender.
Hidden Aspects (Below the Surface):
Acculturation, socioeconomic status, health beliefs, religion, education, sexual orientation, political views.
These hidden factors strongly influence communication but are not immediately visible.
High-Context vs. Low-Context Communication
Low-Context Cultures (Direct Communication)
Words carry most of the meaning.
Messages are explicit, clear, and detailed.
Common in U.S., Germany, Scandinavia, Canada, and Northern Europe.
Example: Doctors in the U.S. explain diagnoses in detail.
High-Context Cultures (Indirect Communication)
Context, tone, and nonverbal cues matter more than words.
Messages are implicit, indirect, and based on relationships.
Common in Asian, Middle Eastern, Native American, and Latin American cultures.
Example: In Japan, disagreement is often expressed subtly rather than directly saying “no.”
Cultural Misunderstandings:
A low-context speaker might view a high-context listener as vague or indirect.
A high-context speaker might see a low-context listener as too blunt or rude.
Low-Context Cultures
Equal relationships; questioning authority is acceptable.
Example: Employees call their boss by first name.
Value punctuality and schedules.
Focus on one task at a time.
High-Context Cultures
Respect for hierarchy; authority is rarely questioned.
Example: A patient may not question a doctor’s advice, even if they don’t fully understand.
More flexible with time; relationships come first.
Comfortable multitasking and interruptions.
CRASH Model Meaning
C – Consider Culture in every interaction.
R – Show Respect for cultural differences.
A – Assess & Affirm individual differences.
S – Be Sensitive to communication styles.
H – Practice Humility; don’t assume you know everything about another culture.
LEARN Model Meaning
L – Listen with empathy.
E – Explain your understanding.
A – Acknowledge cultural differences.
R – Recommend solutions respectfully.
N – Negotiate to find culturally acceptable health solutions.
Cultural Humility vs. Cultural Competence
Cultural Competence – Learning about different cultures and applying that knowledge.
Cultural Humility – A lifelong process of self-reflection, learning, and openness.
Key Idea: Instead of assuming expertise on a culture, remain open and adaptable.
The Role of Religion in Food Practices
Religious dietary practices shape cultural food habits.
Many food rules were established centuries ago and have evolved.
Religion can influence:
What is eaten (e.g., kosher, halal, vegetarian).
When food is eaten (e.g., fasting periods).
How food is prepared (e.g., kosher slaughtering methods).
Who food is shared with (e.g., communal feasts).
Judaism Groups & Religions
Ashkenazi Jews → European origin, eat foods like bagels, brisket, latkes.
Sephardic Jews → Middle Eastern, North African origin, eat foods like hummus, olives, couscous.
Christianity & Islam
Kashrut (Jewish Dietary Laws)
Kashrut (Jewish Dietary Laws):
- Kosher = “Fit” (permitted foods).
- Non-Kosher (Treif) = Not allowed (e.g., pork, shellfish).
- Milk and meat cannot be mixed (must wait hours between consuming).
- Kosher meat must be slaughtered in a specific way.
Jewish Religious Holidays & Foods
Sabbath (Shabbat) – Bread (challah), wine, roasted meats.
Passover (Pesach) – Matzah (unleavened bread), no leavened products.
Hanukkah – Fried foods like latkes (potato pancakes).
Yom Kippur – Fasting for 25 hours.
Jewish Common Health Issues
60–80% of Ashkenazi Jews are lactose intolerant.
Higher rates of inflammatory bowel disease.
Christianity
Largest world religion.
Major branches:
Roman Catholicism – Includes fasting periods, feasts (e.g., Lent, Christmas, Easter).
Eastern Orthodox Christianity – Strict fasting, vegetarian meals during certain times.
Protestantism – No universal food rules, but Mormons avoid caffeine and Seventh-Day Adventists promote vegetarianism.
Symbolism of Bread in Christianity:
Represents life, spiritual nourishment.
Used in Christian sacraments (e.g., communion).
Jesus performed miracles with bread (multiplication of loaves).
Islam
Second-largest religion.
The Quran sets dietary laws.
No priests; each Muslim is responsible for their own faith.
Halal (Permitted) vs. Haram (Forbidden) Foods:
Halal → Meat must be slaughtered per Islamic law.
Haram → Pork, alcohol, improperly slaughtered animals.
Islamic Feast and Fast Days:
Ramadan – 30-day fasting period from dawn to sunset.
Eid al-Fitr – Festival breaking Ramadan fast.
Eid al-Adha – Sacrifice feast, meat is distributed to the poor.
Muslims break their fast with dates, following Prophet Muhammad’s tradition.
Hinduism
World’s oldest organized religion.
Belief in reincarnation – Actions in life affect future rebirths (karma).
Many Hindus are vegetarian to follow nonviolence (ahimsa).
Cows are sacred – Not killed or eaten.
Hindu Festivals and Fasting:
Holi – Spring festival, sharing food with the poor.
Hindu weddings – Multi-day feasts with samosas, biryani, paneer, and sweets.
Fasting is common but varies by caste, region, and occasion.
Buddhism
Dietary rules depend on sect & country:
Mahayana Buddhists → More likely to be vegetarian.
Theravada Buddhists → Some eat fish, avoid beef.
Some Buddhists eat meat but only if they did not kill the animal.
Buddhist Feasts and Fasts:
Vesak – Honors Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death.
Buddhist monks fast twice a month.
Traditional Native American Foods (Three Sisters)
- Corn (Maize).
- Beans.
- Squash.
What is the Native American worldview?
🔹 Harmony with nature – Balance between spiritual, social, and physical needs.
🔹 Time is cyclical – Present needs over future concerns.
🔹 Personal autonomy is highly valued – Family members don’t speak for each other.
Bannock
Native American Dish
Flatbread (flour, fat, water).
Pemmican
Native American Dish
Dried meat mixed with berries.
Wojapi
Native American Dish
Thick berry pudding.
Piki
Native American Dish
Blue corn pancake.
Chukuviki
Native American Dish
Corn-based dish.
What are the major Northern European immigrant groups?
British → New England, Virginia, Maryland.
Scottish → Spread across the U.S.
French → Louisiana (Cajuns from French Canadians).
What are the dominant religions of Northern Europeans?
British → Protestant (Church of England → Episcopal in the U.S.).
Irish & French → Roman Catholic.
What are common British & Irish foods?
Staples → Potatoes, bread (wheat & oats), meats, dairy.
Meals → Breakfast, lunch, tea, evening meal.
Specialties → Fish & chips, shepherd’s pie, black pudding.
What are key elements of French cuisine
👩🍳 Haute Cuisine – Gourmet, refined, artistic.
🏡 Provincial Cuisine – Regional, home-style cooking.
🥖 Staples – Baguettes, sauces (Béchamel, Velouté, Hollandaise).
What are table etiquette rules in France
🍴 Fork remains in left hand while cutting food.
🍞 Bread placed directly on the table.
✋ Hands rest on the table (not in lap).
What is the major health concern for Northern Europeans
⚠️ High cholesterol & fat intake.
⚠️ **Higher rates of celiac disease & hemochromatosis (iron overload).
What is the meal structure in Southern Europe
🍝 Italy – Light breakfast, large lunch (main meal), light dinner.
🍽️ Spain – 4 meals + tapas/snacks, late dinner (10 PM–midnight).
What are key characteristics of Italian cuisine
Pasta sauces vary by region:
North → Cream-based sauces.
South → Tomato-based sauces.
What are common Spanish & Portuguese foods
🥘 Spain → Tapas, gazpacho, garlic, tomatoes, saffron.
🇵🇹 Portugal → Soups, stews, seafood.
🍽️ Both → Egg, lamb, pork, poultry, dried/salted fish.
What is the Mediterranean Diet & why is it healthy
✅ High in → Veggies, fruits, whole grains, legumes, olive oil.
✅ Moderate in → Fish, poultry, eggs, dairy, wine.
❌ Limited in → Red meat & processed foods.
💓 Health benefits → Lowers heart disease risk, increases longevity.
What countries are included in Central Europe?
Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein.
What countries are included in the Former Soviet Union (FSU)?
Russia & Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
What is the largest ethnic group in the U.S. from this region?
German-Americans
What is the dominant religion in Central Europe?
Germany – Lutheran.
Poland & Austria – Roman Catholic.
Russia – Russian Orthodox Church.
What are traditional food habits in Central Europe & FSU?
🥖 Bread is a staple (rye, whole wheat, pumpernickel, egg, potato).
🥩 Meat is essential (pork, beef, poultry, sausages).
🥛 Dairy is consumed daily (cheese, sour cream).
☕ Coffee & tea are common beverages.
What is the largest meal of the day in Central Europe & Russia?
Lunch is the largest meal.
Traditionally, affluent Russians ate four meals a day.
What are the reasons people/cultures eat?
Survival – Food as sustenance.
Cultural identity – Traditions & heritage.
Social connection – Bonding over meals.
Health & nutrition – Food choices impact well-being.
Religious or spiritual reasons – Fasting, feasting, food taboos.
