Transcript chapter 1 the multicultural journey to cultural competence

CHAPTER 4
SOCIOPOLITICAL
IMPLICATIONS OF
OPPRESSION:
TRUST AND MISTRUST IN
COUNSELING/
PSYCHOTHERAPY
The Case of Malachi
 The therapist felt he was “in danger” but could it be
that the White counselor is not used to passionate
expression of feelings?
 The counselor imposed White, Western values of
individualism and self-exploration onto the client
suggesting Malachi’s problems lie within himself
 The counselor went into the session wanting to treat
Malachi like “every human being” thereby negating
his unique racial-cultural perspective
ETHNOCENTRIC
MONOCULTURALISM
 Ethnocentric monoculturalism is the
individual, institutional and societal
expression of the superiority of one group’s
cultural heritage over another’s. In all cases,
the dominant group or society has the
ultimate power to impose their beliefs and
standards upon the less powerful group.
ETHNOCENTRIC
MONOCULTURALISM
 1. BELIEF IN SUPERIORITY.
 There is a strong belief in the superiority of one group’s
cultural heritage (history, values, language, traditions,
arts/crafts, etc.). The group norms and values are seen
positively and descriptors may include such terms as
“more advanced” and “more civilized”
 Members of the society may possess conscious and
unconscious feelings of superiority and that their way of
doing things is the “best way”
ETHNOCENTRIC
MONOCULTURALISM
 2. BELIEF IN INFERIORITY.
 There is a belief in the inferiority of all other
group’s cultural heritage which extends to their
customs, values, traditions and language.
 Other societies or groups may be perceived as “less
developed”, “uncivilized”, or “primitive”. The life
style or ways of doing things by the group are
considered inferior.
ETHNOCENTRIC
MONOCULTURALISM
 3. POWER TO IMPOSE.
 The dominant group has the power to impose their standards
and beliefs upon the less powerful group. All groups are to
some extent ethnocentric; that is they feel positively about
their cultural heritage and way of life. Yet, if they do not
possess the power to impose their values on others, they
hypothetically cannot oppress.
 It is power or the unequal status relationship between groups
which defines ethnocentric monoculturalism.
ETHNOCENTRIC
MONOCULTURALISM
 4. EMBEDDED IN INSTITUTIONS.
 The ethnocentric values and beliefs are manifested in the programs, policies,
practices, structures and institutions of the society. For example, chain-ofcommand systems, training and educational systems, communication
systems, management systems, performance appraisal systems often dictate
and control our lives. They attain “untouchable and godfather-like” status in
an organization.
 Because most systems are monocultural in nature and demand compliance,
racial/ethnic minorities and women may be oppressed.
ETHNOCENTRIC
MONOCULTURALISM
 5. INVISIBLE VEIL.
 Since people are all products of cultural conditioning, their values
and beliefs (worldview) represent an “invisible veil” which operates
outside the level of conscious awareness.
 As a result, people assume universality; that the nature of reality and
truth are shared by everyone regardless of race, culture, ethnicity or
gender.
 This assumption is erroneous, but seldom questioned because it is
firmly ingrained in our world view.
Therapeutic Impact of
Ethnocentric Monoculturalism
 Dissociate the true self
 “Playing it cool”
 “Uncle Tom syndrome”
 Increased their vigilance and sensitivity
Therapist Credibility:
Expertness and Trustworthiness
 Credibility may be defined as the constellation of
characteristics that makes certain individuals appear
worthy of belief, capable, entitled to confidence,
reliable, and trustworthy:


Expertness depends on how well-informed, capable or
intelligent others perceive the communicator
Trustworthiness is dependent on the degree to which
people perceive the communicator (therapist to make
valid assertions)
Psychological Sets of Clients
 Problem-solving Set—client is concerned about
obtaining correct information
 Consistency Set—If inconsistent information is
presented, cognitive dissonance will take place
 Identity Set—Strong identification with a group
 Economic Set—beliefs and behaviors are
influenced by rewards and punishments
 Authority Set—People in authority positions are
seen to have rights to prescribe attitudes or
behaviors