Cultural Competence Continuum

Assessing one’s position on the cultural competence continuum is a task of ironic proportions. Because it is a fluid process, it is difficult to precisely place one’s self on a continuum that is not quite linear. It seems that as soon as one feels that they are becoming competent and embodying the characteristics of one who completely respects and accepts another culture, there is yet another dimension of this competence that requires assessment and adaptation. For the time being and that being said, I would probably feel most confident by placing myself on the cultural pre-competence (but closely approaching competence) level of awareness. The movement towards learning and understanding more about other cultures is fluid as well. Cultures are constantly shifting, with new roles and norms being established as well as abolished. Therefore, our position on this continuum is always shifting. In addition, as we reach a new level of understanding and practical application, we will find that, upon assessment,
these practices may need to be re-evaluated to reach the next level of understanding and appreciation. It is possible that the continuum would be better thought of as a stair step rather than a linear concept. While working in various programs at a local health department, it is evident which programs are more “graduated” on the continuum in addition to the agency as a whole.
While it is a nice idea to think that because I believe in equality and have friends “of color”, I am therefore culturally competent, this concept cannot be so simplified. It takes a concerted effort of purposefully assessing and seeking guidance from “experts” to move along this range. In one of the programs I work in, we regularly addresses issues of culture and how we have been challenged either by ignorance (others or our own) or opportunities of education. This is often times challenging as well as humbling, but is rewarding in assessing our level of awareness interpersonally and within our practices. Through the identification of these gaps, we are better able to identify areas of strength as well as areas in which we need additional support or improved methods of
delivery. Cultural competence in itself is a theory that requires conceptual translation as discussed thus far in class. This concept is important in conceptualizing cultural competence into something practical and an idea that we can understand. It is one of the tools that allow us to see multidimensional and apply other theories to macro and micro levels of practice. Furthermore, understanding cultures and becoming more competent, or proficient, is vital in our ability to translate theories across disciplines. When one thinks of cultural competence, ethnicity immediately comes to mind. While ethnicity is one of the most fundamental concepts of culture understanding the culture of socioeconomic, gender, and generation is vital in being able to effectively translate theories.
Cultural competence is not something that comes naturally. It is purposeful, and well thought-out. This is an interesting concept for the discipline of social work, much like the concept of boundaries, because so much of what we are “good” at has been innate. Typically, this instinctive passion for equality and social justice is something that is an inherent value within us. Conversely, while we believe that everyone is equal and we strive for the action of the value, the concept of culture competence, by definition cannot be anything less than a theoretical framework. It is what shapes our approach to individuals and groups and what aids us in understanding behavior and relationships between members. Cultural knowledge and appreciation, married with theories of individual development, is fundamental in effective change. Additionally, it is equally important to appreciate our own culture and how it shapes our interactions with other professionally and personally.