1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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?

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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.

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

14. 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

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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

18. Figure 3.1
Figure Developmental model of intercultural sensitivity.

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

20. Dimensions of Cultural Competence
Knowledge
Awareness
Skills

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

22. Strategies for Bridging Barriers
Conflict resolution
Conflict management styles
Mindful listening

23. 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.

24. 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.

25. 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.