Unit 8 Cultural Diversity

8:1 Culture, Ethnicity and Race Health care workers work with and provide care to many different people Respect the individuality of each person Be aware of factors that cause each person to be unique Uniqueness is influenced by many things including: Physical characteristics, family life, social status, religion, education, occupation, life experiences Major influence is cultural/ethnic heritage Uniqueness influenced by many things including: - Physical characteristics, family life, social status, religion, education, occupation, life experiences

Culture Definition: Values, beliefs, attitudes, language, symbols, rituals, behaviors, and customs unique to a particular group of people Influences our family relations, education, occupational choices, social interactions, spirituality, food preferences, health beliefs Passed from one generation to next Foundation of behavior, but variances Often defined as a set of rules Culture provides individual with design for living Not uniform among all members within a cultural group, but does provide a foundation for behavior

Culture – Four basic characteristics Culture is learned - culture is taught to others, children learn patterns of behavior by imitating adults Culture is shared - common practices and beliefs are shared with others Social in nature - individuals understand appropriate behavior based on traditions that have been passed from generation to generation Dynamic and constantly changing - allows a cultural group to meet the needs of the group by adapting to environmental changes Learned – culture is taught to others, children learn patterns of behavior by imitating adults Shared – common practices and beliefs are shared with others Social – individuals understand appropriate behavior based on traditions that have been passed from generation to generation Dynamic – new ideas may generate different standards for behavior, allows a cultural group to meet the needs of the group by adapting to environmental changes

Ethnicity Definition: Classification of people based on national origin and/or culture Share common heritage, national origin, social customs, language, and beliefs Common ethnic groups in US: African American, Asian American, European American, Hispanic American, Arabic American, Native American Subgroups within larger ethnic groups Not all members of an ethnic group practice all of the beliefs of the group, the individual is still influenced by other members of the group Subgroups have own lifestyle and beliefs Example: European American includes Italian and German, two very different cultures

Race Definition: Classification of people based on physical or biological factors Color of skin, hair, and eyes Facial features Blood types Bone structure Race cuts across multiple ethnic/cultural groups - Different races present in most ethnic groups

Cultural Diversity Differences among people resulting from cultural, ethnic, and racial factors These differences influence a person’s behavior Differences exist within ethnic/cultural groups United States called a “melting pot,” or is it more accurately a “salad bowl”? culture, ethnicity and race do influence an individual’s behavior, self-perception, judgment of others and interpersonal relationships - Melting pot – term used to represent the absorption of many cultures into the dominant culture Process known as Cultural Assimilation Requires that the newly arrived cultural group discard unique beliefs and behaviors and adopt the ways of the dominant culture Salad Bowl – cultural differences are appreciated and respected Simultaneous existence of various ethnic/cultural groups A multicultural society that recognizes and respects many different beliefs

Acculturation Definition: Process of learning the beliefs and behaviors of a dominant culture and assuming some of the characteristics Every individual has unique blend of characteristics Need to develop sensitivity to differences Occurs slowly over a long period Recent immigrants to the US are more likely to use the language and follow the patterns of behavior of the country from which they emigrated 2nd and 3rd generation Americans are more likely to use English as main language

8:2 Bias, Prejudice, and Stereotyping Bias: preference that inhibits impartial judgment Examples of common biases: age, education, physical, sexual preference Prejudice: strong feelings or beliefs about a person or subject; pre-judging others without reviewing facts or information; often based on fear Stereotyping: making the assumption that everyone in a group is the same Bias – age, education, physical, sexual preference Prejudice – pre-judge, ppl who are prejudiced believe their behavior is rihgt and other’s ideas are wrong, afraid of things that are different, in HC, need to learn about lots of diff ppl and cultures to ensure understanding of the patient and communicate successfully Stereotyping – ignotes individual characteristcs and labels individuals

Bias, Prejudice, and Stereotyping Creates barriers to effective relationships Health care workers must be aware and avoid these feelings and assumptions Ways to avoid bias, prejudice, and stereotyping: Be aware of own personal/professional beliefs Obtain info about other ethnic and culture groups Be sensitive to behaviors and practices of others Respect others’ beliefs, but you don’t have to adopt Avoid offensive jokes Apologize if you hurt someone’s feelings. Forgive if someone hurts you.

8:3 Understanding Cultural Diversity Cultural and ethnic beliefs will affect behavior Health care workers must be aware of these beliefs to provide holistic care Meets needs of whole person, body and mind Respect language, personal space, touching, eye contact, gestures, health care belief, spirituality, etc. See Table 8-1 in text (pg 201 – 202)

Family Organization Structure of a family must be identified, especially the dominant or decision-making person Family structure may be different due to culture & ethnicity Nuclear – mother, father, children Extended – nuclear + grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins

Family Organization Patriarchal Family – father (or oldest male) is authority figure Matriarchal Family – mother (or oldest female) is authority figure Recognition and acceptance of family organization is essential for health care providers Talk with patient and ask questions to determine who is the decision maker. Be ready to hear a patient say, “I have to check with my spouse before I make a decision.” 13

Family Organization To determine patient’s family structure and learn about patient’s preferences, ask questions. Who are the members of your family? Do you have any children? Who will care for them while you are sick? Do you have an extended family? Who will be caring for you while you are sick? Who is the head of the household? Where do you and your family live? Do you have family members who will be visiting?

Language Language and communication is an integral part of heath care Be ready to communicate with patients who speak another language Try to find an interpreter if necessary Speak slowly, use simple words, gestures or pictures Do not just speak louder Some states require the medical permit be printed in the patient’s language. Be aware of legal requirements for non-English speaking patients

8:4 Respect Cultural Diversity Regard each individual as unique Everyone adopts beliefs and forms a pattern of behavior based on culture, ethnicity, race, life experiences, spirituality, and religion Inherent, but may alter with experiences Health care workers must be aware and respect differences