Introductory Medical Spanish Intercultural Values: Hispanics and North Americans (USA) Weeks 1-2/2005

Intercultural Values Let’s explore the values of North American (US) and Hispanic cultures. Consider the following list of values, arranged in opposite pairs. Choose 5 that you consider to be the most important in North American culture, and the 5 which you feel are considered the dominant Hispanic values (some may be the same). Then list the 5 that mean the most to you, personally.

Intercultural Values 1. Tradition 2. Loyalty 3. Social harmony 4. Tranquility 5. Modesty 6. Equality 7. Enjoyment of life 8. Cooperation 9. Independence 10. Religious piety 1. Progress 2. Competition 3. Personal fulfillment 4. Efficiency 5. Assertiveness 6. Social hierarchy 7. Work ethic 8. Individual achievement 9. Family obligations 10. Material comfort

5 dominant values in the U. S

Dominant values in Hispanic culture

5 values most important to you

Major areas of contrast in values 1. Independencia For most North Americans, personal independence and autonomy form the basis of their identity and social relations. Dependency is considered a weakness. Interdependencia Interdependence among people, especially within the family, forms the fabric of Hispanic relationships. The individual without obligations or dependencies is considered cold, alienated or maladjusted.

Contrast in Values 2. Igualdad Equality in personal relationships is considered the ideal. Thus, the average North American is embarrassed by demonstrations of deference that highlight inequalities between people. The ideal of equality correlates with the social mobility in the United States. Most people feel that their success in life is due to their own efforts.

Contrast in Values Jerarquía social In Latin America, an established social hierarchy governs the form of interpersonal relationships. Acknowledgement of the respective social positions is an integral part of every interaction. Although social mobility has increased in Latin societies, traditionally, an individual’s identity is closely tied to that of the family.

Contrast in Values 3. Orientación tecnológico The North American culture puts faith in man’s ultimate ability to conquer nature and to control his own destiny, Fatalismo The oft-repeated “si Dios quiere” is more than a figure of speech in Spanish; it reflects the Hispanic acceptance of the limitations of man’s power over his fate.

Contrast in Values 4. Individualismo North American individualism is characterized by the ideals of competence, self-reliance and assertiveness. Solidaridad The Hispanic ideal of collectivity of the individual with the group, especially the family, is valued. In this context, the most valued personal qualities are loyalty, cooperation, humility and solidarity.

Contrast in Values 5. El futuro The future orientation of North American society causes most individuals to view change as progress. Sacrifice for the future is an ideal with strong moral connotations. El presente Latin American values are more traditional than are the dominant values of the U.S. But the time orientation of Hispanic culture is focused on the present. Taking time to enjoy life is an important ideal of Hispanic life, in contrast to the North American preference for efficiency.

Contrast in Values 6. Las tareas North Americans tend to be task-oriented, valuing efficiency and practically. Las personas Hispanics are more people-oriented, with more attention paid to cultivating the relationships among people.

Contrast in Values Influencia protestante Many of the North American values may be traced to the original Protestant heritage: the work ethic, practicality, egalitarianism, puritanical attitudes toward pleasure. Influencia católica The Catholic influence on Hispanic culture is so thorough that it is often difficult to separate the two. Among the Hispanic ideals inspired by the church are fatalism, piety and respect for authority.

Implicit cultural assumptions While values guide people’s judgments about what should happen by defining right and wrong, assumptions shape their expectations about what actually does happen. Attitudes toward death, for example, differ according to implicit cultural assumptions as to the cause: God’s will or scientific explanations.

Examples of implicit cultural assumptions – Hispanic culture What happens to people is the result of God’s will You cannot change human nature, you can only accept it. Children are a gift from God.

Examples of implicit cultural assumptions – North American culture People’s successes in life are largely determined. People can change. Children are a great responsibility.

Cultural Assumptions As you attempt to interpret the behaviors and attitudes of both North Americans and Hispanics, try to analyze them in terms of the implicit assumptions that they reflect. An understanding of values and assumptions is key to the ability to “switch cultural channels.” Be aware of how your own cultural values and assumptions impede your objectivity.

Drawing accurate conclusions Avoid 4 common fallacies: 1. Overgeneralization: Latins eat spicy food. 2. Value judgment: Latin mothers are overprotective. It is a mistake to single out one custom or value in isolation from its cultural context and judge it according to the values of another cultural system.

Conclusions 3. Ethnocentrism: Hispanics have no sense of time. Within the context to understand another culture, ethnocentrism is counterproductive. Rather say: “Hispanics and North Americans have a different sense of time.” 4. Equality implies sameness: Black, white, brown: we’re all the same. All peoples have similar basic human needs, the cultures of the world have evolved to meet those needs in many different ways. Ignoring these differences can only increase our misunderstanding of them.