Culture encompasses many different aspects of a people’s lives including language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts. It can also be described as a growth of a group identity fostered by social patterns unique to that particular group. It is an ongoing process that can change as new influences come in and old ones fade out.
For example, as modernization has taken hold in India, it is increasingly important to keep younger generations connected to their cultural heritage. Many communities are turning to the use of cultural events that blend traditional practices with more contemporary influences, such as popular musical acts, to make these traditions more appealing and accessible to a new generation.
Non-material culture can be a more elusive concept, and it often refers to beliefs, attitudes and behaviors that are non-physical in nature. It can include ideas, values, and morals as well as social structures. It can even be a set of rules, traditions and customs that are not necessarily written down.
Cultural heritage includes all of these characteristics of a culture, past and present, as well as historical sites and architecture. It can be found in museums, archaeological sites, artifacts and monuments. It can also be found in a variety of other things, including art, writings, oral histories, music and dance.
The term culture is often used in reference to a specific ethnicity, nation or society, but it can also be applied to groups of people, such as a community mental health treatment center, that share similar beliefs, traditions and customs. It is a powerful tool that can be used to help people feel connected and to identify with a greater whole.
Cultural competence is an important component of any mental health program. It reflects an organization’s ability to honor and respect the beliefs, interpersonal styles, and attitudes of families who receive services as well as multicultural staff members. It requires an openness to learning about a culture and being willing to take the time needed for this process.
In order to become culturally competent, providers need to recognize the impact of a client’s culture on his or her mental health needs and treatment outcomes. This awareness must be reflected in the provider’s policies and practices related to client engagement and inclusion, needs assessment, case formulation, goals and treatment location. A provider’s lack of awareness about a client’s culture can lead to miscommunication, misinterpretation and even harm as a result of inappropriate or ineffective treatment strategies. As such, all staff must be aware of the need to become more culturally competent. Fortunately, there are several resources available to assist providers in achieving this goal. The resources include cultural competency training, workshops and publications. These resources can be accessed through various sources, including state programs, federal statutes and programs, private sector organizations and academic settings. The process of becoming culturally competent takes a long time, but it is an essential component to quality care for all individuals.