Ch.10 Human Diversity

Human diversity

Also known as cultural diversity; deals with the variety of human societies and cultures and examines their similarities and differences.

Cultural globalization

The increasing cross-cultural interaction as people travel, work, study, and live across borders.

Characteristics of human diversity

Age, ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, mental/physical ability, work style, family status, religion, language, education, economic condition.

Bias

A tendency to think negatively about others without significant justification.

Personal bias

Can be addressed through education and knowledge of other cultures.

Age Discrimination in Employment Act

Prevents discrimination based on age in hiring, promotion, and compensation.

Generations alive today

WWII Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z.

Ethnocentrism

Belief that one's own culture's norms and values are the only acceptable standards.

Racism

Belief that one race is superior to another and discrimination based on that belief.

Assimilation

The process of giving up one's cultural identity to merge with another culture.

Biculturalism

The ability to competently navigate two or more cultures.

Linguistic differences

Communication barriers that can affect patient understanding and care.

Overcoming linguistic barriers

By hiring bilingual staff, using interpreters, and providing translated documents.

Gender

The biological or chromosomal identity of being male or female.

Gender identity

An individual's inner sense of being male, female, both, or neither.

Sexual orientation

A person's identity based on who they are romantically or sexually attracted to.

Same-sex marriage legalization

The 2015 Supreme Court ruling citing the Fourteenth Amendment.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990

A law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and mandates reasonable accommodations.

Positive view of disabilities

Shift in language from 'disabled' to 'differently abled.'

Religion in diversity

It's a key part of culture, influencing values, beliefs, and practices.

Accepting diversity in healthcare

Providers cannot refuse or treat patients differently based on bias—it's against the law.

Laws protecting against discrimination in healthcare

Civil Rights Acts of 1964 & 1993, ADA of 1990, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and 2015 Supreme Court ruling.

Empathy

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.

Cultural competency

A set of attitudes and policies enabling effective interaction in multicultural environments.

Key elements of cultural competency

Adopt diversity as a value, cultural self-assessment, cross-cultural awareness, multicultural knowledge, and multicultural service design.

Areas of diversity in healthcare

Communication, space, time, environmental control, biologic variations, and social organizations.

Communication in diversity

Use clear, simple language; avoid assumptions; respect cultural norms.

Rapport

A friendly relationship with understanding and trust between patient and provider.

Importance of rapport

It leads to better patient satisfaction and quality care.

Space in cultural diversity

Personal boundaries and comfort levels that differ across cultures.

Time in cultural diversity

Some cultures focus on the present, while others plan for the future or value tradition.

Environmental control

A culture's perception of its ability to control nature and health outcomes.

Biologic variations

Genetic and physical differences (skin color, body type) that may affect disease susceptibility.

Social organizations

Cultural patterns involving family, religion, gender, and other societal structures.

Benefits of empathy in healthcare

Improves outcomes, increases satisfaction, reduces costs and liability.