Culture and Ethnicity :Culture and Ethnicity


Culture :Culture Refers to knowledge, beliefs, behaviors, ideas, attitudes, values, habits, customs, languages, symbols, rituals, ceremonies, and practices that are unique to a particular group of people. Not static Not uniform Cultural messages are transmitted in many ways People learn about culture through traditions “That’s the way we have always done it.”


Ethnicity vs. Race :Ethnicity vs. Race Cultural group’s perception of itself Group identity This self perception influences how the group is seen by others A sense of belonging and a common social heritage that is passed from one generation to the next Common customs and traits Grouping of people based on biological similarities Similar physical characteristics Blood group Facial features Color of hair, eyes, skin


Stereotyping and Labeling :Stereotyping and Labeling Stereotyping An expectation that all people within the same racial, ethnic, or cultural group act alike and share the same beliefs and attitudes. Stereotyping results in labeling people according to cultural preconceptions. Ethnocentrism The belief that one’s own culture is superior to all others. Oppression Occurs when the rules, modes, and ideals of one group are imposed on another group. Racism A form of oppression. Discrimination directed toward individuals who are perceived to be inferior due to biological differences.


Dominant Values in the U.S. :Dominant Values in the U.S. A dominant culture is the group whose values prevail within a society. A subculture is a group of people who have experiences different from those of the dominant culture. Competition, achievement, success Individualism, independence, self-reliance Activity, work, ownership Efficiency, practicality, reliance on technology Material comfort Youth and beauty


Slide 6:Dominant values may conflict with the values of minority groups. Minority groups can be composed of an ethnic, racial, or religious group that constitutes less than a numerical majority of the population. Minority groups are considered to hold less power than the dominant group. Acculturation is the process of learning norms, beliefs, and behavioral expectations of a group. People assume the characteristics of the dominant culture through acculturation. Assimilation is cultural and structural blending into a dominant entity. Cultural assimilation occurs when individuals from a minority group are absorbed by the dominant culture and take on its characteristics


Multiculturalism in the U.S. :Multiculturalism in the U.S. At present, the dominant culture of the U.S. is composed of white, middle-class Protestants of European ancestry. The U.S. is becoming increasingly multicultural and multilingual. By the year 2050, it is estimated that white residents will comprise less than 50% of the total population.


Value of Diversity :Value of Diversity Cultural diversity refers to differences between people based on their cultural variables that result in a shared ideology and way of life. New ideas and increased tolerance of other viewpoints are outcomes of a diverse population.


Organizing Phenomena of Culture :Organizing Phenomena of Culture Communication Space Orientation to Time Social Organization Family Gender Lifestyle Religion


Social Organization :Social Organization Social organization refers to the ways in which groups determine rules of acceptable behavior and roles. Social organizations include family, religious groups, and ethnic groups.


Family :Family Types of family structures include nuclear, extended, attenuated, incipient,and blended. Family patterns include linear, collateral, and individualist.


Gender :Gender Roles vary according to cultural context. In families with a patriarchal structure, the man is the chief authority figure. In a matriarchal structure, the woman is the chief authority figure.


Lifestyle :Lifestyle Examples of alternative lifestyles in the U.S. include homosexual couples, single parent families, and communal groups.


Religion :Religion Religious practices influence a person’s response to major life events such as birth, illness, and death. Illness and treatments are often the catalyst for increased spiritual needs.


Cultural Disparities in Health Care Delivery System :Cultural Disparities in Health Care Delivery System Disparities are observed in all aspects of health care, including: Quality Access Levels and types of care Clinical conditions Care settings Vulnerable Populations The Poor The Homeless Migrant Workers Abused Individuals The Elderly Pregnant Adolescents


Belief Systems :Belief Systems Three types of health belief systems: Magicoreligious Biomedical Holistic Most cultures have preferences for their own caregivers. Caregivers Folk healers, root doctor, granny, voodoo healer, spiritualist, herbalist, shaman


Transcultural Nursing :Transcultural Nursing Health behavior is culturally determined. A thorough understanding of culturally relevant information is essential for delivery of competent nursing care. Leininger’s transcultural nursing theory is the conceptual framework for understanding cultural diversity and providing culturally competent care.


Nursing Process in Cultural Care :Assessment The nurse must acknowledge the importance of validating the meaning of and interpreting the intended verbal or nonverbal message. Cultural assessment factors: Client’s ethnic heritage Family role and function Religious practices Plan Cultural factors that may impact the plan of care: Perspectives on health, life, and death Perspectives on causes of illness, and maintenance of wellness Perceptions about the significance of symptoms Treatment approaches Nursing Process in Cultural Care


Nursing Process in Cultural Care :Nursing Process in Cultural Care Implementation Caring for culturally diverse clients requires three major nursing interventions: Self-Awareness Nonjudgmental Approach Client Education Evaluation Determines client achievement of expected outcomes. Determines efficacy of culturally sensitive nursing care to achieve client outcomes. It is important to demonstrate caring behaviors rather than just tolerate cultural variations


Common Cultural Groups in US :Common Cultural Groups in US African American Asian American European American Hispanic American Native American European American Traditional healers Healing practices Biological variations on selected drugs Food preferences