3 Building Cultural Competencies Building Cultural Competencies Chapter 3 chapter 3 Building Cultural Competencies Building Cultural Competencies Author name here for Edited books Pamala V. Morris

People don’t get along because they fear each other People don’t get along because they fear each other. People fear each other because they don’t know each other. They don’t know each other because they have not properly communicated with each other. –Martin Luther King, Jr.

Cultural Competence A process whereby people develop competencies in multiple ways of perceiving, believing, and doing in order to communicate and interact effectively in diverse environments What does this statement mean to you?

Why Bother? The 21st-century world Rapid changes have made the world smaller Increased contact with culturally different people Misunderstanding heightens conflict Awareness and sensitivity aren’t enough

As a Service Provider Customer demographic has changed The diversification of America Non-Hispanic whites are soon to be a numerical minority Primary causes: Immigration Birthrate

Immigration Reshapes Society People will eat differently, dress differently, dance differently, think differently, and communicate differently. These changes affect the lifestyle of every person.

Culture A way of life of a group of people Behaviors Beliefs Values Traditions Symbols Passed along by communication and imitation from one generation to the next

Your Culture What cultures do you identify with? Primary culture Subcultures List the defining characteristics. Behaviors Values Beliefs Traditions Systems

Cultures Are learned through enculturation Are shared and transmitted throughout society Are both adaptive and maladaptive Are made up of interrelated traits Traits include values, beliefs, tools, practices Changing one trait affects the entire culture

Cultures Have a Shared Reality Shared beliefs, values, and norms Cultures teach members to share values. What values are part of American culture? Symbols to help people understand surroundings and one another A shared orientation to nature

These dancers have their own specialized language that they use with each other, their own norms and rituals. Every group, such as the one pictured here, operates in a cultural context where a common language is used to communicate effectively and work is carried out in unity to deliver a desired outcome.

Levels of Culture International culture National culture Microcosms (subcultures) Many microcosms can exist within the same nation. Microcosms within a nation share cultural traits. Microcosms are also unique from one another. Uniqueness leads to culture being contested.

Culture of Domination The extent to which individuals or groups exercise power over others. Paradigm of ethnocentrism Paradigm of relativism

Instruments of Cultural Change Diffusion Borrowing of traits Indirect, direct, or forced Acculturation Adapting to a new environment Involves continuous and direct contact Globalization Occurs through diffusion, acculturation, and immigration An interconnected and interdependent world

Development of Cultural Identity Process of learning to identify with larger groups and understanding their way of life. Families Peers Religious or interest groups It continues throughout life.

Constructivist Theory People construct their own understanding of the world through experience and reflection. New experiences are reconciled with previous understandings. Knowledge grows when we ask questions, explore, and assess our understanding.

Bennett’s Model of Intercultural Sensitivity As you experience more cultural difference, your potential for competence is increased. Two distinct levels of competence Ethnocentric: avoid cultural difference Ethnorelative: seek cultural difference

Figure 3.1 Figure 3.1 Developmental model of intercultural sensitivity.

Bennett’s Levels and Stages Ethnocentric level Ethnorelative level Denial Defense Minimization Acceptance Adaptation Integration Each stage is indicative of a particular worldview structure.

Dimensions of Cultural Competence Knowledge Awareness Skills

Barriers to Intercultural Communication Assumption of similarities Language differences Nonverbal misinterpretations Preconceptions and stereotypes Tendency to evaluate High anxiety

Strategies for Bridging Barriers Conflict resolution Conflict management styles Mindful listening

Cultural Influences on Recreation and Leisure All service professions are being affected by globalization. Recognizing the importance of a welcoming and inclusive environment is essential. This includes recreation and leisure fields. Professionals must embrace the evolving skill set in order to serve a diverse clientele.

Promoting Cultural Competence in Recreation and Leisure Know about traditions, values, and beliefs among the members of a society. Consider these factors as you plan and develop. Understand your own cultural biases and work hard to overcome them. Learn to discern the integrity of differing cultural orientations.

Summary Today’s world is smaller and more diverse. Cultural competence has become a critical aspect of providing inclusive experiences. Useful frameworks for understanding: Constructivism Bennett’s Model of Intercultural Sensitivity The recreation professionals must embrace these evolving changes.