2.1 Cultural Competence vs. Cultural Humility
Cultural Competence
Cultural competence refers to the ability to engage knowledgeably with people from diverse cultures (McGee-Avila, 2018).
The concept of cultural competence emerged during the 1960s and 1970s, influenced by the sociopolitical climate of the civil rights movements. Cultural competence emphasizes acquiring knowledge about other cultures, assuming that greater knowledge leads to better practice. It implies that there is categorical knowledge one can attain about a group of people, which can lead to stereotyping and bias. It suggests an endpoint to becoming fully culturally competent, which may not be realistic (Lekas, Pahl, & Fuller Lewis, 2020).
Cultural Humility
Cultural humility is a concept that encourages self-reflection, openness, and learning in our interactions with people from diverse backgrounds(McGee-Avila, 2018).
The term “cultural humility” was introduced in 1998. Cultural humility is a dynamic and lifelong process. It encourages self-reflection and personal critique. Acknowledges one’s own biases and recognizes the shifting nature of intersecting identities. Unlike cultural competence, cultural humility rejects the idea of an endpoint (Lekas, Pahl, & Fuller Lewis, 2020).
Cultural humility recognizes that even in sameness, there is difference. Healthcare professionals will never be fully competent about the evolving and dynamic nature of a person’s experiences. Developing cultural humility involves understanding various aspects of identity, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and education. Self-awareness is central to cultural humility therefore, health care professionals providers should ask questions about their own biases and how they perceive the people or populations(Prasad et al., 2016) .
Cultural competence and cultural humility are not mutually exclusive. Effective interventions uphold both frameworks. While cultural competence provides knowledge, cultural humility encourages ongoing curiosity and self-awareness(Kibakaya & Oyeku, 2022). Cultural humility involves ongoing learning, self-awareness, and a commitment to understanding and respecting diverse perspectives (Miller, 2009). It’s about bridging gaps and promoting effective communication across cultures and treating the person, not the illness (Prasad et al., 2016).
Table 2.1.2 Examples of Cultural Aspects Applied to Population Health
A nurse who understands that certain cultural groups may have different beliefs about illness and healing. They adapt their communication style and treatment approach accordingly.
A nurse practitioner who respects a patient’s cultural practices, such as dietary restrictions or traditional healing methods, while providing medical advice.
A nurse educator who incorporates diverse perspectives into the curriculum, ensuring that students learn about various cultures, histories, and traditions. This person actively listens to students from different backgrounds and creates an inclusive learning environment.
A nurse executive/leader who recognizes the importance of cultural nuances in negotiation styles. They adapt their leadership approach based upon various stakeholders within their organization.
In summary, cultural competence and cultural humility complement each other, allowing healthcare providers to engage effectively with diverse populations while continuously reflecting on their own biases and limitations (Prasad et al., 2016).
Click here to read next: 2.2 Implicit Bias
Cultural competence refers to the ability to engage knowledgeably with people from diverse cultures.
Cultural humility is a concept that encourages self-reflection, openness, and learning in our interactions with people from diverse backgrounds.
