Diversity Engagement Assignment
Conceptual Foundations of Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity
Cultural sensitivity or awareness refers to knowing and understanding the similarities and differences within and between diverse cultural backgrounds. Learning about the variations between cultures is something that is always being pursued, and fascination, an open mind, willingness to make inquiries, and transparency in knowing one's own culturally formed beliefs, values, perceptions, and prejudices can all be helpful in the process of growing more culturally aware (Wisner, 2023). Studying cultures that are distinct from one's own is part of it, and respecting these distinctions is also important. Understanding the cultures of others also helps individuals to appreciate and acknowledge the distinct perspectives of those who are different from them. The outcome is a society that is stronger, more compassionate, and has healthier workplaces and relationships. It is about employing cultural sensitivity to effectively communicate without bias and racism, while also acknowledging the commonalities and distinctions that can exist between various cultures. Learning about another person's cultural background can also strengthen interpersonal bonds.
Additionally, my cultural background is Jamaica, which is a mix of South African, Spanish from the Columbus era, and Indian and African influences. I am from both Afro-centered and Euro-centered backgrounds. Jamaican culture resulted from the relationship between Europe and Africa, but there is a stronger European influence (Devonish & Carpenter, 2020). We believe in public intuition medicine, Christian worship, and arts and crafts. We also practice a language referred to as Creole, cuisine like jerk pork and chicken, patties and coco bread, soups, Escovitch fish, dumplings, proverbs, and rhythms of Jamaican music like Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh, and many others, as well as dance, traditional medicine herbs, and spiritual healing. Most Jamaicans place a high value on family, and it is typical for three generations to live in one home. Grandmothers typically look after preschool-aged children, and most wives do not work but are classified as housewives. A small percentage of people identify as Rastafarians, and they usually maintain long dreadlocks and wear loose-fitting clothes.
My partner comes from the Yoruba culture group, which is one of the largest and oldest ethnic groups in Nigeria. It originated from the ancient city of Ile-Ife, which is considered the spiritual home of the Yoruba people. Under the Yoruba tradition, language is the basis for liberal art and includes poetry, proverbs, and the oral transmission of folktales from generation to generation. Poetry, or “ewí,” serves multiple purposes, including social functions and entertainment (Ayodele, 2022). Yoruba music portrays a range of emotions and has deep cultural meaning.
Comparative Analysis of Cultural Similarities and Differences
One of the similarities between Yoruba and Jamaican culture is that family plays a crucial role, and every member has specific responsibilities. In Yoruba culture, respect for elders and extended family ties are highly valued. Roles such as patriarchs or matriarchs guiding decisions and younger members showing respect are emphasized. Similarly, in Jamaican culture, family hierarchy is important, and respect for elders is strongly taught. For example, older individuals are addressed with respectful titles, and failure to greet elders is socially unacceptable.
Another similarity is the importance of age in determining respect. In both cultures, elders are viewed as sources of wisdom and authority, reinforcing strong intergenerational relationships.
However, there are differences in healthcare practices. Yoruba culture incorporates traditional medicine and spiritual healing, often involving herbalists or Babalawos. In contrast, Jamaican healthcare practices are more aligned with modern medicine, where doctors typically prescribe conventional treatments and may discourage herbal remedies.
Based on this analysis, there are more similarities than differences between Jamaican and Yoruba cultures. This realization challenges the assumption that different cultures always have fundamentally different values and practices.
Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Cultural Identity Analysis
Culture has significantly influenced my partner’s identity, shaping her beliefs, behaviors, and values. She strongly identifies with Yoruba traditions, having grown up participating in cultural ceremonies and learning the language. This has fostered a strong sense of pride and connection to her heritage.
Both Jamaican and Yoruba cultures are not considered dominant within the Canadian context. Cultural dominance and subordination influence lived experiences by establishing societal norms and expectations (Russell, 2020). Individuals from subordinate cultures may experience pressure to conform, which can lead to self-doubt if cultural identity is not firmly established.
I was initially surprised by the coexistence of traditional Yoruba religious practices alongside Islam and Christianity. I found it difficult to understand how multiple belief systems could coexist within one culture. However, I learned that cultural perspectives vary, and there are no universal standards for evaluating them (Cherry, 2023). Despite this understanding, I personally believe that culture should be defined by a single spiritual belief.
Application of Cultural Awareness in Professional Social Work Practice
Before engaging with my partner, I held several misconceptions about Yoruba culture. One stereotype was that Yoruba men often have multiple partners due to cultural or religious practices. However, this was disproven through my partner’s explanation of family roles and responsibilities. Another misconception was that Yoruba people are overly focused on titles, which I later understood as expressions of respect rather than superiority.
This experience highlights the importance of cultural awareness in professional practice. Understanding clients’ cultural backgrounds allows social workers to interpret behaviors accurately and avoid judgment.
Cultural competence is essential in social work, as it enables professionals to provide effective and respectful support to individuals from diverse backgrounds. According to Lekas et al. (2020), culturally competent social workers strive to understand their clients’ cultural contexts and provide appropriate assistance. This helps overcome cultural barriers and improves access to resources.
Furthermore, cultural awareness helps dispel stereotypes and biases, allowing social workers to approach clients with neutrality and respect (Marsiglia et al., 2021). By expanding knowledge of different cultures, professionals can better connect clients with relevant services and improve overall outcomes.