Understanding Culture and Reducing Health Disparities
Culture is the embodied practices and traditions of a group. It includes ideas, beliefs, and institutions passed down through generations. Some cultures are largely unconscious, with few or no explicit values. Others are observed only indirectly and may be based on the actions of individuals rather than objective criteria. In any case, culture is a learned behavior that distinguishes one group from another. For example, the use of language and dress are cultural characteristics. Religion and rituals are also cultural aspects.
While cultural heritage usually refers to the tangible items of the past, it can also refer to any type of artistic expression or traditional practice. It includes anything that demonstrates the creativity or expression of humans. This includes cities, towns, and even the environment. For example, the artistic works of Pablo Picasso, which are influenced by African masks, were influenced by African culture. African-American slaves built mansions reminiscent of neoclassical plantation houses.
Even though differences between cultures are obvious, some elements remain common to all human societies. These are known as cultural universals. One of these is the family unit. Every human society recognizes the family unit as a basic unit for regulating sexual reproduction and caring for children. The functions of the family unit vary from culture to culture, but they are generally recognized as being universal. In Asian cultures, for example, family members from many generations live in the same household.
If a cultural element has been inappropriately appropriated, it is best to take the time to learn about the culture in question before borrowing it. To avoid cultural appropriation, visit local venues, attend authentic events, and support small businesses that are run by the culture. It is illegal to steal cultural elements, and it is not a good idea to copy what another group has already done. If you feel that a cultural element is indecent, it is a sign of disrespect.
Understanding and respecting diverse cultures is important to reducing health disparities. Culturally sensitive care can improve access to quality health care and increase responsiveness to a diverse patient population. Culture-sensitive care is the key to reducing health disparities. It involves defining cultural competence and implementing policies and structures that promote cultural competence. The NIH supports cultural competence in the delivery of health care. For more information, visit their website:
Developing cultural awareness is not only beneficial to a person’s life but to their community, as well. It can help to prevent conflict and build community. A better understanding of cultural diversity can help a person to build bridges across cultures and become a productive member of a diverse society. All cultures have unique traits and contributions, so developing an appreciation of them will make a difference. You will not regret it. And, besides, it is fun!
An evaluation of organizational cultural competency should include a comprehensive cultural competence assessment. This type of assessment is based on the assumption that cultural competency improves over time. The approach utilizes a triangulated analysis of archival, interview, and survey data to determine cultural competence gaps within an organization. Ultimately, it can reveal where cultural competency gaps lie and what needs improvement. For example, cultural competence is important for health care providers, but it can also help prevent HIV/AIDS in the community.
Culture is the embodied practices and traditions of a group. It includes ideas, beliefs, and institutions passed down through generations. Some cultures are largely unconscious, with few or no explicit values. Others are observed only indirectly and may be based on the actions of individuals rather than objective criteria. In any case, culture is a learned behavior that distinguishes one group from another. For example, the use of language and dress are cultural characteristics. Religion and rituals are also cultural aspects. While cultural heritage usually refers to the tangible items of the past, it can also refer to any type of artistic expression or traditional practice. It includes anything that demonstrates the creativity or expression of humans. This includes cities, towns, and even the environment. For example, the artistic works of Pablo Picasso, which are influenced by African masks, were influenced by African culture. African-American slaves built mansions reminiscent of neoclassical plantation houses. Even though differences between cultures are obvious, some elements remain common to all human societies. These are known as cultural universals. One of these is the family unit. Every human society recognizes the family unit as a basic unit for regulating sexual reproduction and caring for children. The functions of the family unit vary from culture to culture, but they are generally recognized as being universal. In Asian cultures, for example, family members from many generations live in the same household. If a cultural element has been inappropriately appropriated, it is best to take the time to learn about the culture in question before borrowing it. To avoid cultural appropriation, visit local venues, attend authentic events, and support small businesses that are run by the culture. It is illegal to steal cultural elements, and it is not a good idea to copy what another group has already done. If you feel that a cultural element is indecent, it is a sign of disrespect. Understanding and respecting diverse cultures is important to reducing health disparities. Culturally sensitive care can improve access to quality health care and increase responsiveness to a diverse patient population. Culture-sensitive care is the key to reducing health disparities. It involves defining cultural competence and implementing policies and structures that promote cultural competence. The NIH supports cultural competence in the delivery of health care. For more information, visit their website: Developing cultural awareness is not only beneficial to a person’s life but to their community, as well. It can help to prevent conflict and build community. A better understanding of cultural diversity can help a person to build bridges across cultures and become a productive member of a diverse society. All cultures have unique traits and contributions, so developing an appreciation of them will make a difference. You will not regret it. And, besides, it is fun! An evaluation of organizational cultural competency should include a comprehensive cultural competence assessment. This type of assessment is based on the assumption that cultural competency improves over time. The approach utilizes a triangulated analysis of archival, interview, and survey data to determine cultural competence gaps within an organization. Ultimately, it can reveal where cultural competency gaps lie and what needs improvement. For example, cultural competence is important for health care providers, but it can also help prevent HIV/AIDS in the community.