HCA Module 05 - Introduction to Culture Flashcards
Why should we have some understanding of cultural dynamics?
There are many reasons why it’s important for peer support workers to know about other cultures. Some of the most important reasons include:
* Understanding
* Showing Respect
* Views of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
* Using Strengths
Why is it important to check our own bias when we talk about understanding culture?
Often the dominant culture views its own beliefs, behaviors, and traditions as “normal” and those of minority culture as “abnormal.” Through Western eyes, a person who doesn’t make eye contact may be viewed as sullen, dishonest, or disrespectful. In some other cultures, avoiding eye contact might be the respectful and appropriate behavior.
If we don’t understand some of these significant differences as part of culture, we may start to label culture-based behavior as “abnormal” or “symptoms.”
Why is respect important around culture?
We want always to treat everyone with dignity and respect. In order to do that effectively, we must understand what “respect” looks like for each person.
Are handshakes a sign of dignity and respect, or unwanted?
Is talking about individual empowerment more respectful than respecting community decision-making?
When in doubt, ask! Ask what the person prefers, and if your questions are ok.
What is a prejudice?
Prejudice means a belief that we hold based on little information, or perhaps on “common knowledge” but not research or even experience. We all hold prejudices
and bias as we all are likely to prefer some things to others.
We learn many beliefs from the culture around us and the culture in which we were raised. Prejudice is thought though, and when we recognize it, we can stop and ensure we do not act on unfair prejudices.
What is discrimination?
Discrimination is what happens when we act on a prejudice. Discrimination means that we differentiate between people in a way that judges others. We make a judgment about which “kind” of people are better.
We may not even know when we are discriminating, or we may do so deliberately. Some discrimination is personal and some is institutional. This means that discrimination is deeply imbedded in systems like schools, police, or services.
What is a privilege?
Privilege is an invisible cloak of protection and preference awarded to the most dominant group in a society. Although they might be unaware, they are automatically treated more respectfully, earn more, and have certain advantages that other’s might not have. In America, the highest privilege tends to go to:
* Light skinned people
* Men
* Richer people
* People who work
* College graduates
* People who meet beauty standards or dress well
* People under 50
What is a stigma?
Stigma can be defined as a strong feeling of disapproval or lack of respect that most people in a society have about something society does not approve of.
What is a challenge?
Being aware of privilege makes life easier for many people. It is important to be aware of barriers that some people face that we may not because of our privileged status:
* Would it be harder for an older overweight woman to find a job?
* Would it be harder for a person living in a shelter to be treated well in a doctor’s office?
* Who would find it more difficult to advocate for their needs?
What does asexual mean?
Asexual means a person who is not attracted to anyone in particular and has no desire to act on any attraction.
What does bisexual mean?
Bisexual defines a person who is attracted to persons of their own gender as well as persons of other genders.
What does gay mean?
Gay is generally used to define men who are attracted to other men.
What does lesbian mean?
Lesbian means a woman who is attracted to women.
What does questioning mean?
Questioning is a person who is uncertain of their sexual orientation and is trying to find the right “fit.”
What does queer mean?
Queer is a general term sometimes used to define anyone whose sexual orientation is not strictly heterosexual. In the past this term was not accepted.
What is gender identity?
Gender identity refers to the gender that a person feels is a good “fit” and expression. People who feel they are not born with the gender identity that defines them express this in different ways.
Such a person may choose to wear the clothes of their perceived gender. Others seek surgical repairs and hormone treatment. There is early evidence that gender identity issues are biological, especially since most people recognize at a very young age that their body doesn’t fit their internal perception of their gender.
