Abstract This paper examines the importance of improvements in culturalsensitivity in the child welfare system of the United States. It discusses the reasons for these requirements and how it would help to make the organization an effective entity within society. It also looks at the role of the leadership within the child welfare system in supporting and promoting this culturalsensitivity.
From the Paper "The research supports the concept that child welfare agencies would benefit from developing culturally sensitive environments. This is evidenced through systems approaches that acknowledge that all elements within a system, or culture, should be considered as a means of understanding the system. Additionally, culturally sensitive environments can be impacted by the workers that support the organization and the leadership styles that inspire workers to meet new objectives and visions for a culturally sensitive workplace."
Abstract This paper examines education as a change agent for cultural awareness and collective need. It discusses educational theories of multicultural education and the characteristics of a culturallysensitive curriculum. It then looks at the role of teachers in imparting the culturallysensitive curriculum. The paper focuses on Pablo Freire's work, "Pedagogy of the Oppressed."
Table of Contents:
Review of Literature
Characteristics of CulturallySensitive Curriculum
Characteristics of CulturallySensitive Teachers
From the Paper "As the diversity in the US grows, there must be debates about the nature of the reflection of curriculum on a changing population. Through this work it has been made clear that immigrants often feel disconnected from the education of their children, especially when language barriers are an issue. The work of the educator, regardless of the answer tot eh debate is to develop core communications with these parents so as to better teach children their role in a foreign social and cultural environment. Regardless of the level of acceptance of a multicultural classroom within a school or district, no children or parent should feel rejected by it. Debates may not seem like a politically correct way to develop such relationships, but they can be a starting point for opening up a line of communication that further develops the child's feelings of cultural pride and personal self esteem, two issues that are crucial to long term success and civic responsibility and in many ways must be imparted by the culturally sensitive teacher."
Abstract The paper explains that cultural competence refers to being trained to work in any cross cultural therapeutic environment. The paper relates that every encounter is cross cultural because therapists and patients have differing reference groups. Culturalsensitivity and cultural competence involve the acquisition of both generic and specific cultural knowledge and skills. The paper stresses that unless the mental health psychiatric nurse takes the cultural influences on a patient into account, the goals and process for that patient will not be appropriate.
From the Paper "Cultural competence is associated with four areas: awareness, knowledge, relationships and skills. In order to work with people from diverse cultures who have a mental health disability, the nurse must have cultural competence."
Abstract This paper examines the challenges that are faced by international marketing managers and the need for culturalsensitivity. The paper explains about targeting specific markets, a marketing mix and globalization.
From the Paper "International Marketing Challenges. The international marketing function will face a number of new and dynamic challenges in the 21st century One of the defining qualities of a 21st century international marketing manager is that he or she must be sensitive to cultural differences in each market the company they represents sells into in order to be successful. An effective marketing manager will understand different tastes and lifestyles as well as different cultural norms and will incorporate all of this information into the marketing program."
A review of the article, "Serving Culturally Diverse Children with Serious Emotional Disturbance and Their Families," by Gwendolyn Cartledge, Cathy Kea and Evette Simmons-Reed.
Abstract The paper reviews the article, "Serving Culturally Diverse Children with Serious Emotional Disturbance and Their Families", which is concerned about how cultural insensitivity harms children from diverse backgrounds. The paper explores why this issue is important - especially when it comes to educating young people - and outlines the difficult situations which can arise when teachers fail to understand the cultural impetuses which guide and shape behavior. Finally, the paper looks at what culturalsensitivity (and a lack thereof) means for professionals who must work regularly with non-European children.
From the Paper "A recent article by Gwendolyn Cartledge, Cathy Kea, and Evette Simmons-Reed (2002), "Serving Culturally Diverse Children with Serious Emotional Disturbance and Their Families," reveals the importance of cultural sensitivity when dealing with children coming from diverse backgrounds. To wit, the United States is now a nation with a remarkably polyglot population; this trend will continue. In light of this, those involved in the field of counseling and social work (and many other occupations that deal with troubled young people) will have to develop sophisticated understandings of how culture interacts with social behavior if they are to provide unbiased interventions to children afflicted by behavioral problems. Finally, the authors seem to favor an approach which recognizes that other ways of doing things need to be recognized insofar as the needs of minority children may not be assessed properly simply because the counselor or professional dealing with them is viewing their problems through the wrong cultural lens and is not appreciative of the reality that culture guides behavior (Cartledge et al, 2002)."
Abstract In many contemporary tribal communities, dual justice systems exist. One is based on what can be called an American paradigm of justice and the other is based on what can be called an indigenous paradigm. The paper shows that the Australian legal system is beginning to recognize the establishment of the Aborigine indigenous communities and hopes to develop programs that investigate legal issues in a more culturallysensitive manner. Canada has also encountered cultural problems in their justice system with the sentencing of aboriginal offenders and is working to implement alternative sentencing measures for Aborigine offenders. Many other countries are following Australia and Canada's lead. The paper details the Aborigine indigenous justice system which is based upon a holistic philosophy.
From the Paper "The model of the American justice system is different from the Aborigine's because there is a concentration of frequent separation of powers. Politics and religion are to remain separate states, therefore, any spiritual needs of the offender or victim are not the responsibility of the court. The victim is often overlooked, while the system concentrates on serving justice and punishing the offender of the crime. Many of those who study indigenous justice systems are beginning to advocate that the community must begin to participate actively in handling both the criminal and the victim (LaPrairie, 1998)."
Abstract This paper explains that cultural competence refers to one's ability to understand, interact and respond to individuals with different world views or cultures. The author points out that it differs from cultural awareness or sensitivity in that it is a set of congruent behaviors, attitudes and policies, which come together in a system, agency or among professionals and enables them to work effectively in cross-cultural situations The paper stresses that cultural competency includes being sensitive to individuals of different races, ethnicities, ages, religions, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic status, among others. The author underscores that cultural competency is reflected in the professional's attitude and communication style. The paper suggests several steps to develop personal cultural competency.
From the Paper "Right now, there are many things I can do to promote my own cultural awareness and sensitivity. Of course, I can (and have) take course work in sociology, culture, and communication. However, traditional coursework can only provide factual and historical knowledge, which is why it is important to take courses with an experiential focus where one must interact with others and then reflect upon and self-assess their experiences. Another thing I can do is participate in social activities with a diverse array of individuals."
Tags: diversity set sensitive style, training programs.
Abstract This paper identifies some of the major drivers of globalization and their impact on multinational firms. The paper also discusses the risks involved in global investing as well as the importance of culturalsensitivity and ethics in the realm of global finance. In this way, the paper highlights the factors that need to be evaluated before a firm decides to become a true multinational organization.
Outline:
Drivers of Globalization
Risks of Global Investing
CulturalSensitivity Conclusion
From the Paper "Market research includes understanding the audience and the ethnic-orientated issues that may be relevant to the message being communicated. Cultural adaptation refers to intricacies such as humor, grammar, and symbolism that may be present in the native language. Localization is identified as incorporating local references and examples in the communication. Finally, internationalization refers to 'universal' ideas and concepts that can be intertwined into the message such as time and measurements (Balance, 2006). Considering these factors a multi-national firm can inject some measure of cultural sensitivity in its global communications."
Tags:culture, sensitivity, reporting, standards, Internet
Abstract The paper discusses the importance of culturally competent care in the hospital. The paper looks at the gap in health insurance coverage in various ethnic groups and examines the standards of the present health policies in effect today. The paper also presents strategies to improve culturally-sensitive care. The paper concludes that there are few concrete policies that categorically address the plight of minorities and therefore it is the ethical responsibility of policy-makers to look out for their welfare.
Outline:
Introduction
Theoretical Framework
Population
Population Vulnerability
Standards of Met and Unmet Cultural Competence
Impacts on Nursing Care Delivery
Solutions
Conclusion
From the Paper "Culturally competent care in the health workplace setting of a hospital involves the provision of effective and timely care that is sensitive to the ethnocultural needs of the client or patient. This type of care, while sensitive to the needs of people with different ethnocultural backgrounds, must not, at the same time, become biased in its provision of care, either by policy, protocol or other barriers that prevent equality in care. This means that, while unique sets of people with diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds have equally unique care needs, this should not be the basis for justifications of providers to relegate culturally-sensitive initiatives to lesser priority over others."
This paper briefly explores the article "Cultural Considerations in End-of-Life Care" by Polly Mazanec and Mary Kay Tyler, about the significance of appreciating cultural considerations in end-of-life care situations.
Abstract This paper discusses a scholarly article, "Cultural Considerations in End-of-Life Care" by Polly Mazanec and Mary Kay Tyler, which touches upon the issue of cultural considerations in the nursing profession. The paper provides a rough outline of the article, re-defines it in terms of how the writer understands the practice, and illustrates the relationship between the practice of cultural sensibility and the client system of which the patient is but one part. In the end, the paper insists that cultural competence is one of the new core skills that any nursing practitioner will be expected to have as the twenty-first century proceeds along.
Outline:
Abstract
Cultural Considerations in End-of-Life Care
References
From the Paper "While cultural sensitivity may not be the first skill nursing practitioners think of when they are asked to contemplate the abilities they will most need in order to be successful in a tough, challenging profession, there can be little question that an increasingly diversified society has made it essential that nurses know how to deal with those whose cultural background differs from their own.
"Reviewing the aforementioned article, a number of things spring to mind. First of all, Mazanec and Tyler report that a clinician cannot possibly provide effective care without a strong understanding of the different cultural backgrounds of those with whom they will come into contact. Part of achieving this greater understanding entails eschewing the "ethnocentrism" that often pervades one's world-view; it is also considered appropriate that a nurse be well-aware of the family structures, communication styles, and ways in which different cultural groups respond to illness."
Abstract The paper discusses the periods of development in children between birth and six which is referred to as the "sensitive period." The underlying description in the paper is based on the theories of
Dr. Maria Montessori and explains that a child of that age group has an uncontrollable urge to learn and investigate new horizons. The paper fully explains the sensitive periods and discusses these at length with examples.
From the Paper "Up to age six, children are in a unique period of learning and development where certain information is absorbed by their personalities without any conscious effort. Young children learn to walk, talk and do hundreds of things without formal instruction or being aware of learning. Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952), an Italian physician, described these stages as sensitive periods of development. A sensitive period is essentially an "irresistible impulse" (Standing, pg.119) the child cannot control, urging him/her to focus on one or more certain aspects of their environment at a time. This is completely unconscious and driven from within the child without their knowledge or instigation."
Abstract Culture is a critical variable in career counseling and should enter into every part of the career counseling process. This paper explains that, in order to effectively utilize a valid frame of reference in which to place cultural variables, counselors need to be familiar with theories of acculturation, world-views, aspirations and expectations, societal barriers and intra-group socialization, and racial and ethnic identity development.The writer explains that it is clear that career counselors working with multi-cultural students must be trained in such a way as to ensure that they are completely sensitive to and well-versed in matching individual students to the appropriate work environment. It discusses how career counseling is a process occurring between two or more individuals and designed to help students reach a career decision. It concludes that, in order to be effective as a career counselor with racial and ethnic minority students, counselors must become skilled in cross-cultural counseling.
From the Paper "Good career counseling always takes place within a cultural context, which is true regardless of ethnicity. Current theoretical models may not be adequate to explain the career behavior of racial and ethnic minorities. Vocational assessment has to be culturally sensitive, and only culturally appropriate tools should be used in vocational assessment. The goal of career counseling is to help clients make career choices that are culturally appropriate, rather than to try to have all clients make the same choices. Today, with the changes in the balance of ethnic representations in the United States, and a greater recognition of the changing needs of racial and ethnic minority members, it is generally agreed that counselors must be competent to work with a diverse population and effectively deliver vocational counseling services to racial and ethnic minorities."
Abstract The paper presents the definitions of culture and culturally competent care and examines the patient population demographics of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The paper centers on the Hispanic population and their vulnerability and discusses the fourteen standards of cultural competence as identified by the Office of Minority Health (OMH). The paper also evaluates the VHA's performance to meet these standards and looks at the implication for nursing and at potential solutions for areas were standards are not met. The paper concludes that as the healthcare industry moves to a more culturally competent delivery method, healthcare quality and effectiveness will improve.
Outline:
Culture Population Demographics
Cultural Vulnerability
Standard One
Standard Two
Standard Three
Standard Four
Standard Five
Standard Six
Standard Seven
Standard Eight
Standard Nine
Standard Ten
Standard Eleven
Standard Twelve
Standard Thirteen
Standard Fourteen
Conclusion
From the Paper "Culture is defined as the incorporated pattern of human behavior that encompasses languages, values, thought, beliefs communication, customs, rituals, practices, relationships, courtesies, role, mannerisms and expected behaviors of an ethnic, social, racial or religious group (Hepburn, 2005). Cultural competence is a set of attitudes, policies, structures, practices and behaviors that collaborate in or between professionals, agencies, or systems that produce an increase in effectiveness to work with cross-cultural situations (Hepburn, 2005). The cultural competence standards used for this paper will be the OMH's National Standards on Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS). The CLAS's primary focus is organizational healthcare application and is designed to encourage the evaluation and development of culturally and linguistically congruent care (Office of Minority Health [OMH], 2007)."
Abstract Cultural competence is the integration and transformation of knowledge about individuals and groups of people into specific standards, policies, practices, and attitudes used in appropriate cultural settings to increase the quality of services, thereby producing better outcomes. The author of this research proposal contends that cultural competence is becoming a necessary function and skill for all those dealing with social and health services and proposes to analyze the current perception of cultural competence on the part of screeners and emergency response social workers in the Santa Clara County system. The author also reviews current literature on the subject.
From the Paper "The evolving concept of Cultural Competence is an area of reformation that is changing the delivery of many aspects of health and social work services. The delivery of social work services, especially in periods of client and family duress can and usually do place a screener or an emergency response social worker in a position that requires rapid response and decision making, regarding the best interest of the clients and the state. It is for this reason and, many others that those who specifically deal with situations that require rapid and appropriate response must enlist cultural competence not as a thought process or a set of ideas but almost as a second hand and integrated pattern of behavior in the system and the individual. Cultural competence is essential to the development of social workers and social work systems that are responsive and capable of dealing with the results of social and cultural discrimination, poverty, inadequate housing and even more blatant discrimination."
Abstract An exploration of the impact that the cultural and social backgrounds of students has upon the probability of a student experiencing success at school. The challenges that the cultural and social diversity of students poses to teaching and teachers is also explored.
From the Paper Harris (1996) suggests that schools? institutionalised practices create educational advantages or disadvantages for students. It is predominantly students from low socio-economic backgrounds who choose or are channelled into the non-academic streams, thus limiting their chances of entry into tertiary education and ultimately professional careers. Hatton (1994) and Malin (Hatton, 1994) describe how schools can systematically disadvantage groups in society. Hatton reveals ways in which underprivileged families or those not from the middle class do not always comprehend their rights as parents in pursuing grievances. Malin states that intelligence and standardised academic achievement tests are culturally biased and she appeals for teachers? pedagogy to be more sensitive to cultural differences.
