Introduction to Community Psychology Part III Chapter 8 Respect for Diversity

PART III UNDERSTANDING COMMUNITIES 139 . RESPECT FOR DIVERSITY Thai and Lien By the end of this chapter , you will be able to Understand cultural humility as an approach to diversity Identify and dimensions of diversity Appreciate the complexity of identity Identify important cultural considerations for working within diverse communities 141

142 Leonard , lack , and ( Editors ) respect by is licensed under Respect for diversity has been established as a core value for Community Psychology , as indicated in Chapter ( Jason , 2019 ) Appreciating diversity in communities includes understanding dimensions of diversity and how to work within diverse community , but also includes a consideration of how to work within systems of inequality . Community psychologists must be mindful of diverse perspectives and experiences when conducting research and designing interventions , as well as working to combat oppression and promote justice and equality . By working within a framework of cultural humility , this chapter attempts to provide a basic understanding of the dimensions of diversity that are most common in Community Psychology research and practice . Further , we explore how these dimensions contribute to complex identities and considerations for community practice .

Introduction to Community Psychology 143 CULTURAL HUMILITY Photo by is licensed under Lhe License As our world becomes increasingly diverse and interconnected , understanding different cultures becomes crucial . Without a basic understanding of the beliefs and experiences of individuals , professionals can unintentionally contribute to prejudice and discrimination or negatively impact professional relationships and effectiveness of services . To understand cultural experiences , it is important to consider the context of social identity , history , and individual and community experiences with prejudice and discrimination . It is also important to acknowledge that our understanding of cultural differences evolves through an ongoing learning process ( 1998 ) Cultural competence is generally as possessing the skills and knowledge of a culture in order to effectively work with individual members of the culture . This includes an appreciation of cultural differences and the ability to effectively work with individuals . The assumption that any individual can gain enough knowledge or competence to understand the experiences of members of any culture , however , is problematic . Gaining expertise in cultural competence as traditionally seems unattainable , as it involves the need for knowledge and mastery . Instead , true cultural competence requires engaging in an ongoing process of learning about the experiences of other cultures ( 1998 ) Further reading on cultural competence by Stanley Sue can be found . Cultural humility is the ability to remain open to learning about other cultures while acknowledging one own lack of competence and recognizing power dynamics that impact the

144 Leonard , lack , and ( Editors ) relationship . Within cultural humility it is important to engage in continuous , recognize the impact of power dynamics on individuals and communities , embrace not knowing , and commit to lifelong learning . This approach to diversity encourages a curious spirit and the ability to openly engage with others in the process of learning about a different culture . As a result , it is important to address power imbalances and develop meaningful relationships with community members in order to create positive change . A guide to cultural humility is offered by Culturally Connected . DIMENSIONS OF DIVERSITY Harmony Day 5475551013 by images is licensed under BY ! The recognition and appreciation of diversity is a core principle for the of Community Psychology . Although it is impossible to discuss all of the dimensions of human diversity in this section , we present some common dimensions examined in Community Psychology research and action and point toward where our could place more emphasis . We also acknowledge the importance of , which will be touched upon throughout this chapter , and the process of cultural humility in understanding diversity .

Introduction to Community Psychology 145 Culture Culture is an important dimension of diversity for community psychologists to examine . In general , culture has been challenging to , with modern viewing culture as a dynamic concept that changes both individuals and societies together over time . Further , culture in today society refers to more than just cultural and ethnic groups but also includes racial groups , religious groups , sexual minority groups , socioeconomic groups , and corporations . While numerous for culture are available , there are key components , such as shared meanings and shared experiences by individuals in a group that are passed down over time with each generation . That is , cultures have shared beliefs , values , practices , and other elements that are expressed through family socialization , formal schooling , shared language , social roles , and norms for feeling , thinking , and acting ( Cohen , 2009 ) Using a Community Psychology approach , culture can be examined at multiple ecological levels to understand its impact . This means that culture can the norms and practices of individuals , families , organizations , local communities , and the broader society . For example , cultural can have an impact on how members function and interact with one another . Further , culture should be understood within a broader context of power relationships , and how power is used and distributed ( 2011 ) culture is . by Photos is licensed under Race While physical differences often are used to race , in general , there is no consensus for this term . a I Typically , race has been using observable I physical or biological criteria , such as skin color , hair color or texture , facial features , etc . However , these biological assumptions of race have been determined to be inaccurate and harmful by biologists , anthropologists , psychologists , and other scientists . Research has proven no biological foundations to race and that human racial groups are more alike than different in fact , most genetic variation exists within racial groups rather than between groups . Therefore , racial differences in areas such as academics or intelligence are not based on biological differences but are instead related to economic , historical , and social factors ( Lopez , 1993 ) Instead , race has been socially constructed and has different social and psychological meanings in many societies ( Lopez , 1993 ) In the US , people of color experience more racial prejudice Photo by is licensed under the

146 Leonard , lack , and ( Editors ) and discrimination than white people . The meanings and of race have also changed over time and are often driven by policies and laws ( one drop rule or laws ) Rachel , also known as , was born to white parents with no known African ancestry . As a . young adult , she became involved in civil rights , became a in college instructor of Studies , and began ' identifying as a black woman . She even became president of , the Spokane , Washington chapter of the National Association a fa ' El . for the Advancement of Colored People ( She resigned from her position with the and was dismissed from her role as an instructor after information surfaced casting doubt upon her racial heritage . She later acknowledged that she was born to white parents but continued to insist that she strongly as a black woman . Read more Ethnicity Photo by is licensed under the License Elderly by Tee is licensed under Ethnicity refers to one social identity based on the culture of origin , ancestry , or with a cultural group ( 1989 ) Ethnicity is not the same as nationality , which is a person status of belonging to a nation by birth or citizenship ( an individual can be of ethnicity but British nationality because they were born in the United Kingdom ) Ethnicity is by aspects of subjective culture such as customs , language , and social ties ( Ahluwalia , 1999 ) While ethnic groups are combined into broad categories for research or demographic purposes in the US , there are many ethnicities among the ones you may be familiar with . or Hispanic may refer to persons of Mexican , Puerto Rican , Cuban , Spanish , Dominican , or many other . Asian Americans have roots from over 20 countries in Asia and India , with the six largest Asian ethnic

Introduction to Community Psychology 147 in the US being the Chinese , Asian Indians , Filipinos , Vietnamese , Koreans , and ( read more here ) Gender Gender refers to the socially constructed perceptions of what it means to be male or female in our society and how those genders may be ' and interpreted by society . Gender is different from sex , which is a biological involving chromosomes and reproductive organs . As a socially constructed concept , gender has the perceived differences between females and males leading to limitations in attitudes , roles , and how social institutions are organized . For example , how do gender norms types of jobs viewed as appropriate or not appropriate for women or men ?

How are household or parenting responsibilities divided between men and women ?

Gender is not just a demographic category but also gender norms , the distribution of power and resources , access to opportunities , and other important processes ( Bond , 1999 ) For those who live outside of these traditional expectations for gender , the experience can be challenging . In general , the binary categories for sex , gender , gender identity , and so forth have received the most attention from both society and the research community , with only more attention to other gender identities ( transgender , and ) in recent years ( Palmer , 2015 ) But the attention to other gender identities is increasing , both academically and publicly . One example is the case of Nicole her elementary school restroom policy , which resulted in a victory when the Maine Supreme judicial Court ruled that she had been excluded from the restroom because of her transgender identity . While community psychologists are making efforts to conduct more research on the various gender identities on the gender spectrum , more research needs to continue in this area . Photo by Op is licensed under the License Age Community Psychology emphasis on context has also included aging , or the developmental changes and transitions that come with being a child , adolescent , or adult . Power dynamics , relationships , physical and psychological health concerns , community participation , life satisfaction , and so forth can all vary for these different age groups ( Cheng 81 Heller , 2009 ) Although the has started to include aging issues in research , Cheng and Heller ( 2009 ) searched for publications on older adults in major Community Psychology journals and found that this segment of the population has been neglected . Although the skills , values , and training of community psychologists would likely make a Photo by is licensed under the License

148 Leonard , lack , and ( Editors ) difference in the lives of older adults , the attitudes within our profession and society are current barriers . Social Class Like the other components of diversity , social class is socially constructed and can affect our choices and opportunities . This dimension can include a person income or material wealth , educational status , occupational status . It can include assumptions about where a person belongs in society and indicate differences in power , privilege , economic opportunities and resources , and social capital . Social class and culture can also shape a person worldview or understanding of the world how they feel , act , and in and impacting the types of schools they attend , access to health care , or jobs they work at throughout life . The differences in norms , values , and practices between lower and upper social classes can also have impacts on and health outcomes ( Cohen , 2009 ) Social class and its intersection with other components of one identity are important for community psychologists to understand . Unnatural Causes Is Inequality Making Us Sick ?

is a documentary that focuses on the connection between social class , racism , and health . Homeless by is licensed under EY Sexual Orientation Sexual orientation refers to a person emotional , romantic , erotic , and spiritual attractions toward another in relation to their own sex or gender . The focuses on feelings rather than behaviors since individuals who identify with a minority sexual orientation experience stigma and oppression in our society ( Flanders , Robinson , 2016 ) Sexual orientation exists on a continuum or multiple and crosses all dimensions of diversity ( race , ethnicity , social class , ability , religion , Sexual orientation is different from gender identity or gender expression . Over time , gay , lesbian , asexual , and bisexual identities have extended to other sexual such as pansexual , and , and increasingly more research is being conducted on these populations within the of Community Psychology ( et , 2015 ) As a historically marginalized and oppressed group with inadequate representation in the literature , sexual minority groups face a variety of problems and issues that necessitate further research . The empowering and participatory approaches and methods used in Community Psychology can be for research with sexual minority groups . APRIL 2015 54663 by Ted is licensed under

Introduction to Community Psychology 149 Disabilities refer to visible or hidden and temporary or permanent conditions that provide barriers or challenges , and impact individuals of every age and social group . Traditional views of disability follow a medical model , primarily explaining diagnoses and treatment models from a pathological perspective ( 2010 ) In this traditional approach , individuals diagnosed with a disability are often discussed as objects of study instead of complex individuals impacted by their environment . Community Psychology , however , sumo ! follows a social model of ability in which diagnoses are viewed from a social and environmental perspective and consider multiple ecological levels . The experiences of individuals are strongly valued , and participatory research is a valuable way to explore experiences while empowering members of a community with varying levels of . Learn more by watching the Employment Choice for People with Severe Physical Disabilities . Culture must be considered when viewing ability from a social perspective ( 2000 ) and may impact whether or not certain behaviors are considered for inclusion in a diagnosis . For example , cultural differences in the assessment of typical development have impacted the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders in different countries . Further , diagnoses or symptoms can be , and culture may how symptoms are communicated . The experience of culture can impact lived experience for individuals diagnosed with a disability . It is important to consider how impacts the experience of disability . For example , students of color and other underserved groups have a higher rate of diagnosis of learning disabilities , emotional and behavioral disabilities , and intellectual disabilities ( Trent , Ortiz , 2010 ) which may be due to economic , historical , and social factors . Diagnosis must be considered as disabled youth are at a disadvantage in a number of indicators of educational performance , leading to more substantial disparities later in life . How one individuals with a particular label indicating their race , gender or sexuality is rather complicated , and unless investigators are careful in their of these terms , many problems can be encountered , as has been reviewed above . Identifying who has a disability or health condition can also be a challenge and can have real , tangible consequences for an affected group . As an example , if prevalence research suggests that a particular disability or health condition is relatively rare , it is possible that few federal and state resources will be devoted to those individuals . But if the methodology for selecting individuals is , then the prevalence rates will be inaccurate and potentially biased . This is what occurred with the health condition known as chronic fatigue syndrome , now also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis , as indicated in Case Study .

150 Leonard , lack , and ( Editors ) When the Centers for Disease Control tried to estimate the prevalence of those with this illness , they concluded that only about people had this condition in the US , and most with this illness tended to be white , women , which is what led to the label Yuppie Flu However , the way the investigators conducted this research was they asked healthcare personnel to identify individuals with this illness , but as many healthcare professionals did not believe that this was a real or legitimate , they tended to refer few individuals to the study . In addition , as many individuals with a chronic health condition do not have access to the healthcare system , many individuals with this illness were not able to be brought into the prevalence study . However , when a group of community psychologists used better research methods that involved deriving their sample from randomly contacting people in the community , without depending on referrals from physicians , they estimated that about a million individuals had . In addition , those tended to be from lower socioeconomic status groups and communities of color ( just the opposite of what led to the characterization of Yuppie Flu ) et , 1999 ) The from this study were widely disseminated and led to reductions in some of the bias and stigmatization that has been directed to those with this illness . Adapted ( Photo is licensed underthe License The impact of disability on identity and intersection with other social identities is important for community psychologists to understand . Community Psychology unique perspective has contributed to applied research conducted among communities and individuals with disabilities . The need for understanding , empowerment , and advocacy through participatory action research continues to exist for individuals with disabilities .

Introduction to Community Psychology Religion Spirituality There are many of religion , most of which typically include shared systems of beliefs and values , symbols , feelings , actions , experiences , and a source of community unity ( Cohen , 2009 ) Religion emphasizes beliefs and practices , relationships with the divine , and faith , all of which differentiate it from common of culture . Further , religion is an important predictor for , satisfaction , and other life outcomes ( Stanton , 2003 ) While religion has been neglected in psychological research , it has been included in Community Psychology diversity since the beginning of the . Religion and spirituality were formerly considered a joint concept but have been differentiated in the past century . of spirituality typically focus on relationships with a higher power and a quest for conceptualization of 151 ?

Photo by is licensed under the License meaning . The differentiation between religion and spirituality has become more relevant recently as many individuals consider themselves more spiritual than they are religious . Community Psychology has long considered religion as a dimension of diversity , but the importance of spirituality in our understanding of community has been a more recent development . The importance of religion and spirituality to physical and emotional and a strong sense of community merits the inclusion of both , in research and practice ( et , 2003 ) Community psychologists understand the importance of working in natural settings , which frequently include religious and spiritual settings . Collaboration with religious organizations and embedding interventions into these settings may have positive impacts on individuals in the community and may also help religious organizations reach goals .

152 Leonard , lack , and ( Editors ) IMPACT OF IDENTITIES Black Lives Matter March For Our Live Washin on by is licensed under While the various dimensions of diversity discussed above are a start to understanding human diversity , they do not fully describe an individual , community , or population . Instead , we must consider that these dimensions do not exist independently of each other and that the interaction of these dimensions is referred to as ( Crenshaw , 1989 ) focuses on how the dimensions can overlap and give rise to different experiences as well as multiple privileges or inequities for example , racial ethnic and sexual minority men will experience more health disparities than white and or heterosexual men . Community psychologists recognize the of , but published research in this area is still lacking compared to other disciplines . urgency of video can help you learn more about . Privilege , or the unearned advantages that individuals have based on membership in a dominant group ( race , gender , social class , sexual orientation , ability ) contribute to the systems of oppression for individuals and groups . While privilege can come in multiple forms and individuals can have multiple privileges white privilege , or the advantages that white people have in society , are important for psychologists to examine more extensively to understand how white people participate in systems of oppression for racial minority groups in the US ( Todd , 2014 ) For example , white experiences and perspectives tend to be pervasive in curriculum , policy , pedagogy , and practices ( 81 Fox Tree , 2006 ) at the exclusion of work and research by people of color . Helms ( 1995 ) important work on the white racial identity model describes how white people move from a racist identity to a identity as they become more aware , move beyond an effective understanding of racial minorities to an experiential one , and understand their role in a racist society . Other community psychologists have explored how to create organizational that are more inclusive and address white privilege ( Bond , 1999 ) or have examined how white privilege commitment and interest toward social justice ( Todd et , 2014 ) While community

Introduction to Community Psychology 153 psychologists are contributing to this research , more studies are needed to understand the relationship between identity , privilege , and social justice and action in community . Diversity in Practice Using a framework of cultural humility , community psychologists consider context . This provides the ability to view various dimensions of diversity while considering the impacts of prejudice and discrimination . It is also important to consider how cultural practices differ in all settings in which the individual operates . Considering context expands the perspective of culture to include historical context , of identities , and the experience of prejudice and discrimination . The Society for Community Research and Action ( has sociocultural and cultural competence as one of the 18 foundational principles of Community Psychology practice , and it as the ability to value , integrate , and bridge multiple , cultures , and expands upon the importance of recognizing multiple to integrate elements of cultural humility in practice settings . Prior to working in communities , it is important to examine one own worldview and consider how it interacts with the community through culture and power dynamics . It is important to recognize and articulate dynamics related to culture and power differentials with the communities in which community psychologists work . Due to the complexity of these dynamics , respecting diversity in practice may require the formation of relationships with various members of a community who may be able to serve as a guide for working with the community in culturally valid ways . Diversity in Research Adopting cultural humility is necessary for considering diversity in research . In research , it is important to consider how questions are asked or which samples are included in a study . In addition , the importance of topics of research to diverse communities must be considered , which may require developing research topics and questions with the populations that are being impacted . Participatory action research is a valuable tool for developing topics in an inclusive way and is a method frequently used by , I community psychologists to solutions in the social environment ( Kral , 2005 ) Research must also consider the power dynamics between the researcher and the community as well as the dynamics within the community . The use of is important for exploring research questions in the appropriate context . Marginalized groups are often compared to a majority group , but these comparisons may not always acknowledge the implications of power dynamics present in such comparisons . When developing the methodology , it is important for the researcher to acknowledge one own cultural assumptions , experiences , and positions of power . Recognition of these aspects of self will lead to a more careful framing of the research question within

154 Leonard , lack , and ( Editors ) context . Finally , it is important to consider where to disseminate research to reach wide audiences . DESIGNING COMMUNITY PROGRAMS We Bill Si nin by Seattle cig Council is licensed under BY Designing programs in the community need to start with an understanding of the diverse cultures and communities in which they will be situated . To that end , collaborative and ecological systems approaches used by community psychologists are incorporated throughout the design of community prevention and intervention programs . Altogether , these approaches situate culture at every level of planning a program from the conceptualization to the implementation . In Case Study , 2011 ) provides a cautionary example of what can happen when culture is not more deeply considered in community interventions .

Introduction to Community Psychology 155 In Water Boiling in a Peruvian Town by Ed ( 1955 see , 2011 ) a public health intervention was implemented to decrease the related health risks in Los , a rural Peruvian town . The promotion of the evidence based practice of boiling water targeted women , with the assumption that increased knowledge about the health of boiling water would persuade them to change . The intervention was delivered by a health worker who took up residence in Los and her goal was to have the women boil their water before using it . The intervention turned out to be uy , majority of women did not start this practice , due to several factors steeped in cultural beliefs and local customs or conditions . For example , the cultural meanings of hot and cold in their culture meant that boiled water was used for certain health issues , but it was not associated with germs or diseases . Over time , boiled water was culturally linked to illness and very much disliked by the local people . The intervention impact was also further affected by the women inability to boil because of their daily routines , social ostracization for boiling because of the meanings of cold and hot water , and lack of interest in women lives by the town leadership . This case study demonstrates the impact of culture on and based interventions meant to improve community health and . For that reason , provides recommendations about how Community Psychology can contribute more to the understanding of culture in research and practice . Some of these recommendations include focusing on communities more than programs , understanding that choice is more important than change , working with local experts in the community , and using research designs and methods that are appropriate for diverse cultures and populations . Another approach proposed by and colleagues ( 1999 ) considers surface structure and deep structure for designing community programs . Surface structure includes aspects of the program that are observable such as gender , race , and ethnicity of the staff members setting language ( used and choices of cultural components , such as music or food . Deep structure includes knowing the historical , social , and psychological aspects of the culture to understand core cultural values , beliefs , and practices . However , attending to both surface and deep structures will not guarantee the success of the program . Matching the race or ethnicity of the staff to program participants is not always enough to establish trust or resolve all cultural differences . Similarly , programs using deep structures may appeal differently to those with different acculturation statuses therefore , more research is necessary to determine the effectiveness of these culturally anchored programs . Overall , as our knowledge and work with diverse communities continues to expand , the situated and anchored approaches used by community psychologists will continue to be very important for designing programs . Central to this will be the evolving development of a cultural Community Psychology which incorporates theories and methods from and cultural psychology in research and practice ( 2012 )

156 Leonard , lack , and ( Editors ) UP Respect by Thomas is licensed under BY This chapter presented the framework of cultural humility as an ongoing approach to working with diverse communities . It is important to recognize various dimensions of diversity and how they intersect to produce unique experiences of inequity or privilege . Community psychologists go beyond traditional research and practice by working with members of marginalized groups to challenge oppression through participatory action research and to provide tools for empowerment and directed change . Critical Thought Questions . How would you explain the differences between cultural humility and cultural competence ?

Why is cultural humility more for understanding diversity ?

How do race and ethnicity differ ?

How is race socially constructed ?

What gender norms are present in today society ?

Would you say these gender norms are or not ?

Why ?

Why is it important to focus more research on the spectrum of sexual identities ?

Although disability involves a reality , it is also a social construction . How is disability a social construction ?

What is and how does it impact a person experiences ?

Why should the culture of a community be considered before designing community programs ?

Introduction to Community Psychology 157 Take the Chapter View the Chapter Lecture Slides REFERENCES , Trent , 81 Ortiz , A . 2010 ) and explaining disproportionality , A critique of underlying views of culture . Exceptional Children , 76 ( doi , 81 Lopez , 1993 ) The study of culture , ethnicity , and race in American psychology . American Psychologist , 48 ( Bond , A . 1999 ) Gender , race , and class in organizational . American Journal of Community Psychology , 27 ( Cheng , 81 Heller , 2009 ) Global aging Challenges for community psychology . American Journal Psychology , 44 , Cohen , A . 2009 ) Many forms of culture . American Psychologist , 64 ( Crenshaw , 1989 ) the intersection of race and sex A Black feminist critique of doctrine , feminist theory and politics . The University of Chicago Legal Forum , 140 , Flanders , Robinson , 81 , A . 2016 ) Negative identity experiences of bisexual and other people A qualitative report . Journal of Gay 81 Lesbian Mental Health , 20 ( 81 , 2010 ) Epistemological journeys in participatory action research Alliances between community psychology and disability studies . Disability 81 Society , 20 ( doi Helms , 1995 ) An update of Helms White and people of color racial identity models . In , Suzuki , 81 Alexander ( Handbook of multicultural counseling ( Thousand Oaks , CA Sage . 81 , 2019 ) Introduction to the of Community Psychology . In , 81 ( Introduction to Community Psychology Becoming an agent of change . Retrieved from chapter intro , I . Taylor , 1999 ) A study of chronic fatigue syndrome . Archives of internal medicine , 159 ( 18 ) 81 Kral , I . 2005 ) Practicing participatory action research . Journal of Counseling Psychology , 52 ( Palmer , 81 , 2015 ) resiliency Openness about sexual orientation gender identity and its relationship to and educational outcomes for students . American Journal Psychology , 55 , 81 , 2012 ) Integrating cultural community psychology Activity settings and the shared meanings of . American Journal of Community Psychology , 49 ,

158 Leonard , lack , and ( Editors ) 1989 ) Understanding race , ethnicity and power The key to efficacy in clinical practice . New York Basic Books . Ahluwalia , 1999 ) Cultural sensitivity in public health and . Ethnicity Disease , Fox Tree , A . 2006 ) Building bridges across differences to meet social action goals Being and creating allies among people of color . American of Community Psychology , 37 , Stanton , I . 2003 ) An overlooked dimension in cultural psychology . Journal of Psychology , 34 , doi 0022022103034004001 , 1998 ) Cultural humility versus cultural competence A critical distinction in physician training outcomes in multicultural education . of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved , 125 . Todd , 81 , 2014 ) The role of attitudes toward white privilege and religious beliefs in predicting social justice interest and commitment . American of Community Psychology , 53 , I . 2011 ) From Water boiling in a Peruvian town to Letting them die Culture , community intervention , and the metabolic balance between patience and zeal . American Journal of Community Psychology , 47 ,

Introduction to Community Psychology 159 by Prawny is licensed under the License