Cultural Humility

Older Woman and Child 'While cultural competence has been emphasized as a method of learning about "other cultures" and becoming competent and knowledgeable about experiences outside of our own point of reference, cultural humility posits that we cannot fully comprehend another person's background and that it is important to note our own cultural assumptions. Cultural humility posits a broad interpretation of culture and a focus on internal reflection rather than "figuring out" someone who is "other". Cultural humility encourages a challenge to structural inequalities and oppressive systems while at the same time focusing on the client's experience and identity.' source

Based on your own personal and professional experiences, respond to the following questions:

  • Describe a scenario in which you (or someone that you know) experienced cultural humility (or lack thereof) in an interpersonal exchange. Consider the cultural context in which this occurred, and reflect on and evaluate your response.
  • What types of actions or competencies reveal cultural humility to you?
  • One way that I can recognize and develop cultural humility in myself is to...
  • Cultural humility can directly benefit me, my colleagues, and clients, because... source

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