Posted: September 5th, 2022

Why is the need for understanding, practice, and competition of cultural diversity?

Why is the need for understanding, practice, and competition of cultural diversity?
Subject: Psychology
Cultural diversity is a critical aspect of community psychology; culture represents a shared way of doing things, and diversity stands for different cultural and ethnic groups. In countries such as the United States, there are so many cultures due to immigration. 80% are Americans, 16% Hispanics, 13% African Americans, and 5% Asians. All these groups have different ways of doing things. They have different languages, religions, sexual orientations, and they come from different races.
Living in such an environment with no understanding of cultural diversity can lead to harassment, discrimination, and oppression of minority groups. For instance, African Americans have experienced discrimination from European Americans. That is because they hold competing cultural frames of references. Understanding cultural diversity is essential as it fosters peaceful coexistence in the community.
It also dispels stereotypes and misconceptions about specific groups. It helps learn new perspectives about life, languages, and different ways of thinking. That makes life more exciting and enjoyable. Learning about cultural diversity fosters respect for norms, practices, traditions, and beliefs of different cultures.
Understanding cultural diversity in clinical psychology helps provide services that align with the culture of the patient. A patient-centered approach is essential in the provision of health care as it promotes health and eliminates health disparities. Providing care that is congruent with the patient’s culture is part of the patient-centered approach.
Community psychology states that societal influences play a vital role in shaping the mind of an individual. Therefore, it is impossible to understand the individuals from different cultures without understanding cultural diversity. It helps understand the human cognitions and behaviors of people.
Cultural diversity gives insights into both theoretical and empirical understanding of cultures. Generations pass down these practices to their offsprings. It also helps us understand how different cultures perceive the environment and view the world. It is impossible to solve culture-based conflicts without understanding different cultures. Understanding cultural diversity helps eradicate vices, such as discrimination and oppression of the minority. People with a good understanding of cultural diversity should support it by respecting other cultures.
In Psychology, it is impossible to understand an individual without examining their cultural and contextual situations. Different people have different perspectives about the world. The inclusion of all cultures not only leads to better decision making but also empowers all the people. People should live harmoniously irrespective of their cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

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