Culture
Directions
When it comes to cultural competence, it’s easy enough to submit papers indicating that one will be open, receptive, and neutral with clients and that this will come naturally and with ease. However, there is nothing like real-life experience to bring into sharp relief our beliefs, values, and biases. Having to confront and manage one’s ethnocentric and cultural biases head-on is the best way to learn how to manage these human ways of being. All of us are ethnocentric, we are just ethnocentric in our own way.
Complete Exercise 7.3 on pages 207-208. Submit a .pdf copy of this exercise into the assignment box. If you handwrite your responses, be sure that you use black ink and that your responses are legible and easy to read. It is suggested that you make a copy of this worksheet if you do not wish to write in your textbook. Once you have completed this, review the Case Example: One Placement + Two Students = Cultural Insight, found on pages 210-211. Using the case example, and exercise 7.3 responses as a springboard, answer the questions below:
Think carefully about the discussion of ethnocentrism, as well as the case example, along with the results of your completed exercises.
In what ways might your cultural lens have colored your reactions to your field agency and/or the clients it serves? Include information about how you may also have had ethnocentric responses to the agency staff.
Describe at least one experience or incident in your fieldwork in which you experienced an ethnocentric reaction.
What thoughts and feelings did you have in that situation? Describe in detail.
As you describe the incident, explain the specific aspects of your own cultural experience (including family beliefs and values, religious beliefs, educational beliefs, etc) that played into your reaction.
Sum up your understanding of ethnocentrism and culture and give at least three reasons it is important for you to be aware of your cultural beliefs so that you can be a more effective, neutral HUS professional.
