The Spectrum of Diversity Viewed as Self.
The Spectrum of Diversity Viewed as Self.
Pause for a moment and view the idea of diversity through the eyes of a marginalized individual. Who would you be? Would you be an individual of a different: religious affiliation, language, physical size, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability (physical or mental), political orientation, socioeconomic status, occupational status, or simply be from a foreign geographical location? This query brings to mind the idea that diversity means something different to every person. Given this understanding, it would be impossible to develop a proficiency in all matters of diversity, but the goals of developing proficiency to identify and attempt to understand the difference are entirely possible.
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The importance of cultural values allows a person to derive a sense of meaning. We all make meaning through our lived experience. However, as we progress on our journey we also must be willing to accept and acclimate to our changing environment. This process can reduce the burden upon others to accommodate to our special needs and derive a self-serving measure to accept the provisions of the new environment. Many cultures extend a welcome when the attempt to embrace the host environment is recognized. In short, the process is a give and take by all parties involved.
Several models exist to aid in developing cultural sensitivity in a healthcare setting. While it is impossible to know all regarding diversity, the icebreaker is to show that you care. While it might remain challenging or a moral conflict for a health professional to care for a person with perceived questionable moral behavior (e.g., abortion, substance abuse, spouse abuse, addiction), the role of the healthcare professional is the humanitarian moral high ground.
Diversity exists in all strata of society. It is present in the society’s subgroups and organizations. All cultures include majority and minority groups. If diversity is defined as a difference, we must examine the scope of difference beyond gender and race. The notion of difference can be based on race, gender, religion, language, geography, physical difference, disability, and more. All are equally important to the individual. An individual interacting in the society as a minority experiences similar emotions whether their difference is based on gender, race, or disability.
The idea of difference in culture can be especially interesting. Culture is basically viewed as a set of norms establishing a standard for acceptable social behavior and interaction. The norms are mostly unwritten and can be influenced by external pressures such as the influx of other cultures. Cultural norms guide social interaction, and a variation can be perceived as a difference or a sense of discomfort. The difference in social interaction can be seen as boundaries of personal space, eye contact, body language, negotiating style, and more. It is widely agreed that these differences might not be sufficient to establish overt differences. It is human nature to subconsciously avoid uncomfortable situations. The goal is to develop an ability to recognize the difference and to be inspired to accept, understand, and embrace it. No single difference is greater than the other.
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Additional Materials
From the Internet, read the following:
- Campinha-Bacote, J., (2003). Many faces: Addressing diversity in health care. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 8(1). Retrieved from www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketpla: http://ojin.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/AN…
