Definitions-Cultural Diversity in Human Services

Running head : Cultural Diversity

Cultural Diversity in Human Services

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Cultural Diversity in Human Services

The influx of immigration propelled by the streams of globalization has transformed the way countries deal with their expanding economy as immigrants and their needs are accommodated to fit the pro of each country . Dr . Atkinson 's book Counseling American Minorites : A Cross-Cultural Perspective ' gives a detailed overview of the social bubble that immigrants in the United States have been struggling with

and the intricacies of acclimatizing oneself to the American way of life . In to understand the situation that American minorities face each day , one must be able to grasp the concepts identified with being a minority in another country

The book introduced several important concepts regarding the condition of cultural minorities . One such term explained by Sumner is ethnocentrism , which operates under the principle of viewing one 's culture in a patronizing perspective (Atkinson , 2004 . This kind of belief could fuel the notion of racism , which renders a narrow view that superiority in every aspect of life depends on which race the individual belongs to (Atkinson , 2004 . An example of this is the perception of white privilege discussed by McIntosh in which Caucasians or Whites are viewed as the symbol of supremacy and are entitled to more opportunities than other races (cited in Atkinson , 2004

As globalization carved its way into the modern society , a boxed view of the world has now transcended into a more responsive environment where differences blend in . This gave way to the movement of multicultural sensitivity that sought to recognize diversity and encourage tact in dealing with the underlying differences (Atkinson , 2004 . In most cases people are expected to practice political correctness in dealing with sensitive issues such as race and gender to minimize grievances or unfair judgment (Atkinson , 2004

From Chinatowns to the African-American populated urban areas and Latino communities , these cultural minorities are interwoven within the contemporary American society which has created a melting pot of nationalities that accents the American lifestyle (Atkinson , 2004 . When immigrants leave their home countries in search for a much affluent life , it is often assumed that immigrants should adapt to the changing cultural climate of their host country . This natural occurrence of acculturation ascribed by Gordon , has prompted immigrants to modify their cultural heritage with that of their host country (cited in Atkinson , 2004 . In this aspect , McLemore describes assimilation as borne out of the efforts of cultural minorities who vie not only be a part of American culture , but also to be given the opportunity of acknowledgment by their American counterparts as Americans (cited in Atkinson , 2004 . In most cases , the concept of cultural pluralism by Kallen is predominant , as cultural minorities opt to maintain their ethnic roots while infusing the qualities of their host country (cited in Atkinson , 2004

The book also took note of early assimilation models from various theorists who had studied the phenomenon of...