Cultural Identity & Cultural Competence

Discussion 1: Cultural Identity

What is culture? Is it synonymous with nationality? Can culture emerge from the intersection of multiple factors, such as gender identity, ability status, or language? Consider these questions as you prepare to describe your own culture.

For this Discussion, think about how you would identify your culture. Consider aspects of your identity such as your ethnicity, gender identity, religion, race, ability status, sexual orientation, or any other identifiers that contribute to what you would consider your culture.

By Day 3

Post a description of important aspects of your culture that an outsider might not know. Explain the information a social worker would need to know about your culture in order to effectively assist your family in the face of a pressing issue. Describe potential consequences of a lack of cultural awareness on the social worker’s part.

Discussion 2: Cultural Competence

The term cultural competence denotes an integrative perspective on the cultures of other people. Individuals displaying higher levels of cultural competency tend not to promote their culture over others or vice versa—they instead demonstrate an interest in learning more about the customs, habits, and behaviors of those whose backgrounds are different from their own.

For this Discussion, review one of the case studies in the Readings and consider your knowledge of the client’s culture.

By Day 4

Post a description of your level of familiarity with the culture of the client. Describe at least two additional pieces of information you would need to gather from the client in order to best assist him or her.