Abstract
As society is on its way to be more respectful and progressive, the topic of cultural diversity is more than important now. People are different, with their own sets of beliefs, sensitivities, traditions, and other characteristics. The following paper will review the importance of diversity in mental health, elementary schools, workplaces, and nursing. A study in cultural competence training of medical professionals will be used to accentuate the value of this aspect. In order to review how cultural diversity can assist mental health care, key considerations regarding the intersection of mental health and various cultures will be emphasized. To demonstrate how it can influence schools, a study conducted by Indonesian researchers will be referenced. Finally, to depict how crucial cultural diversity is for workplaces, a research paper referencing the situation in Iraq will be used. That way, there will be a more detailed depiction of how this topic can assist in different areas of life and why cultural diversity is such a relevant issue nowadays.
Introduction
In the past, society used to have a homogeneous and self-centered approach to cultural sensitivity in various parts of life, such as education, medicine, and workplaces. However, this was the cause of misunderstanding and conflicts between people. In more severe cases, it would lead to horrible outcomes, such as medical errors or lawsuits. Thus, the necessity of cultural competence and diversity becomes a relevant issue.
Main body
Healthcare is severely affected by attitudes and biases regarding different cultures. Uncertainty, lack of awareness and cultural understanding are some of the issues that occur when medical professionals are not informed on various cultural sensitivities (Kaihlanen 2). The negative consequences become especially alarming if the cultures in question are underrepresented. Nowadays, cultural sensitivity training is being incorporated in training professionals. This, in turn, could bridge the possible existing gaps between the medical professional and the patients from various backgrounds.
Cultural diversity in mental health has a seemingly different nature compared to nursing. The assistance of patients depends not only on how mental disorders are perceived in their country, but also by their norms and customs (Gopalkrishnan 1). In this case, training can not only help combat negative biases towards mental health but provide a more multi-faceted approach to treating such patients. That way, society will be able to make certain amends for past discrimination in this field, especially if the patient’s condition is related to such trauma.
It is crucial to mention that children are susceptible to how they are educated on the world around them. This is what underlines the importance of educating children on cultural diversity. Thus, teachers need to be aware of how to interact with students from various backgrounds (Setiyowati et al. 85). This, in turn, will eventually help minimize cases of discrimination and miscommunication between children.
Finally, the research provided by Cihan University not only touches on the importance of cultural diversity in general, but in developing countries as well. The issues may feature resistance to change and discrimination against certain ethnic groups (Raewf and Mahmood 3). Fortunately, the results of the cited research have shown that Kurdistani organizations are open to the concept of cultural diversity. This creates a dialogue regarding this topic and providing a safe space for employees.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cultural diversity is an aspect that is crucial nowadays. Prior stigmas and misconceptions have led to several issues, which is why people should take cultural sensitivity classes. By learning more about various cultures, nurses and mental health professionals can provide better help and care for their patients. This can help make amends for past discrimination as well, especially if the patient’s issues are related to the trauma caused by it. Considering elementary schools, children are rather susceptible to how they are taught. Cultural diversity training in these locations can help minimize cases of discrimination. Finally, this aspect in workplaces can help employers provide safe and accepting spaces for their workers. Fortunately, people are open to cultural sensitivity training, which is a step in the right direction. That way, a more accepting and diverse society will be formed.
Works Cited
Gopalkrishnan, Narayan. “Cultural Diversity and Mental Health: Considerations for Policy and Practice.” Frontiers in public health vol. 6 179. 2018.
Kaihlanen, Anu-Marja, Laura Hietapakka, and Tarja Heponiemi. “Increasing cultural awareness: qualitative study of nurses’ perceptions about cultural competence training.” BMC nursing 18.1, 2019, pp.1–9.
Raewf, M., and Y. Mahmood. “The Cultural Diversity in the Workplace”. Cihan University-Erbil Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, Vol. 5, no. 1, 2021, pp. 1-6.
Setiyowati, Arbin Janu, Henny Indreswari, and Irene Maya Simon. “Cultural Diversity Profile and the Values of Bhinneka (Diversity) in Multicultural Education of Elementary School.” ICLI 2018, 2019, p. 84.