Dismantling Inequities by Building Cultural Proficiency through the Tools of Cultural Humility
- Isaiah McGee (Iowa State University)
Abstract
Social justice advocates and allies are largely in agreement that some initial context of interpersonal cultural awareness is necessary for building the capacity to Inclusion. However, equity implementation efforts are largely treated as skill-set approaches that presume only more information around culture is needed, rather than a growth mindset approach that requires transformation about interactions with culture. The debate then shifts towards whether to prioritize and focus on interpersonal work or systems work. This session dives into the heart of this debate by proposing a re-analysis of the popular Cultural Proficiency Framework (Lindsey, Nuri-Robins, Terrell, 2018) and reframes it within the context of Cultural Humility. Participants will examine conditions that disproportionately affect marginalized populations in organizational settings such as schools and colleges and developing a deeper consideration of the foundational elements upon which equity should be based; unpacking a shared sense of belonging and dignity. Participants will also examine five core values behind culture and how a set of inverse factors pull individuals and systems either toward or away a process of cultural humility that leads to improved cultural competence.