Cultural Competency
| Recent studies show that health care and social services outcomes are more effective when they are provided in a culturally competent manner. Cultural competence is a set of behavioral or thinking patterns shared by a group of people. These patterns may include things like rules for behavior, language, religion, values and beliefs, styles of dress, cuisine, political ideas, and economic systems. We typically think of ethnic or racial groups when we think of culture, however the term can be considered in broader terms. In social work practice it is important to be sensitive to the cultural nuances of all groups. Remember that there is also a culture of homelessness – a culture of poverty – a culture of geographic region, etc. It is equally important not to stereotype. Just because individuals belong to, or are descended from, a particular group, does not mean they follow the culture of that group. |
Here are some links on cultural competency:
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Assuring Cultural Competence in Health Care by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services http://www.omhrc.gov/clas/ds.htm
The APA Guidelines for Providers of Psychological Services to Ethnic, Linguistic, and Culturally Diverse Populations http://www.apa.org/pi/oema/guide.html
The homepage for the National Center for Cultural Competence |
Starr A.Wood, MSW,
Ph.D.
University at
Albany
School of Social Welfare