民俗ネオ神道 — minzoku NEO-shintô

Blog — 73

Cultural Competence vs Cultural Humility

Can I become culturally competent in Japanese culture?

To answer that question there are two things you need to know:

To begin with, you don't fully understand your own culture; no one does.

Add to that, you can't expect to fully understand someone else's culture, without being raised in that culture. It's just not possible.

Why? Because 90% of any culture is implicit, that is hidden. And the 10% that is explicit is open to interpretation. In other words we may use the same words, but do they mean the same thing?

On top of that, everyone's experience of their own culture is unique.

Cultural competency implies expertise and a power differential. The first is dubious at best, and the latter is very real. So forget about becoming culturally competent. It just ain't happening.

The best you can hope for is cultural humility.

So what is cultural humility?

Cultural humility is a set of reflective processes for understanding one's biases, privileges, managing power imbalances, and maintaining a stance that is open to others in relation to aspects of their cultural identity that are most important to them.

Self-awareness: A crucial aspect is examining one's own cultural biases and how they might influence interactions with others. Practicing self-reflection, including awareness of your beliefs, values, and implicit biases.

Openness to learning: Continuously seeking to learn about different cultures and perspectives. Recognizing what you don't know and being open to learning as much as you can.

Respectful approach: Recognizing that everyone's cultural experiences are unique and valuable. Being open to other peoples' identities and empathizing with their life experiences.

Power dynamics: Acknowledging and working to mitigate power imbalances in relationships. Acknowledging that the patient is their own best authority, not you.

Lifelong commitment: Cultural humility is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Learning and growing from people whose beliefs, values, and worldviews differ from yours.

So approach each individual embedded in a culture with humility and use it as an opportunity to learn more about their experience of their culture; even if it's your own culture.


	minzoku NEO-shintô A Book of Little Traditions

	ToC Blog TOCBlog – 73


	Blog — 73 Cultural Competence vs Cultural Humility Can I become culturally competent in Japanese culture? To answer that question there are two things you need to know: To begin with, you don't fully understand your own culture; no one does. Add to that, you can't expect to fully understand someone else's culture, without being raised in that culture. It's just not possible. Why? Because 90% of any culture is implicit, that is hidden. And the 10% that is explicit is open to interpretation. In other words we may use the same words, but do they mean the same thing? On top of that, everyone's experience of their own culture is unique. Cultural competency implies expertise and a power differential. The first is dubious at best, and the latter is very real. So forget about becoming culturally competent. It just ain't happening. The best you can hope for is cultural humility. So what is cultural humility? Cultural humility is a set of reflective processes for understanding one's biases, privileges, managing power imbalances, and maintaining a stance that is open to others in relation to aspects of their cultural identity that are most important to them. Self-awareness: A crucial aspect is examining one's own cultural biases and how they might influence interactions with others. Practicing self-reflection, including awareness of your beliefs, values, and implicit biases. Openness to learning: Continuously seeking to learn about different cultures and perspectives. Recognizing what you don't know and being open to learning as much as you can. Respectful approach: Recognizing that everyone's cultural experiences are unique and valuable. Being open to other peoples' identities and empathizing with their life experiences. Power dynamics: Acknowledging and working to mitigate power imbalances in relationships. Acknowledging that the patient is their own best authority, not you. Lifelong commitment: Cultural humility is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Learning and growing from people whose beliefs, values, and worldviews differ from yours. So approach each individual embedded in a culture with humility and use it as an opportunity to learn more about their experience of their culture; even if it's your own culture.