Assignment: Dominant culture Race

Assignment: Dominant culture Race

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About the Authors

Lois A. Ritter earned a doctorate in education and master’s degrees in health science, health care administration, and cultural and social anthropology. She has taught at the university level for approximately 20 years and has led national and regional research studies on a broad range of health topics.

Donald H. Graham is an attorney and holds a master’s degree in urban affairs. He has developed and managed client-centered and culturally appropriate health and human service programs for more than 30 years.
UNIT I

The Foundations
CHAPTER 1 Introduction to Multicultural Health
CHAPTER 2 Theories and Models Related to Multicultural Health
CHAPTER 3 Worldview and Health Decisions
CHAPTER 4 Complementary and Alternative Medicine
CHAPTER 5 Religion, Rituals, and Health
CHAPTER 6 Communication and Health Promotion in Diverse Societies

Courtesy of David Bartholomew
CHAPTER 1

Introduction to Multicultural Health
We have become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. —Jimmy Carter

One day our descendants will think it incredible that we paid so much attention to things like the amount of melanin in our skin or the shape of our eyes or our gender instead of the unique identities of each of us as complex human beings.

—Author unknown

Key Concepts

Multicultural health Cultural competence Culture Dominant culture Race Racism Discrimination Ethnicity Cultural ethnocentricity Cultural relativism Cultural adaptation Acculturation Minority Assimilation Heritage consistency Health disparity Healthy People 2020 Hill-Burton Act Ethics Morality Autonomy Respect Veracity Fidelity Beneficence Nonmaleficence Justice
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Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter, you should be able to:

1. Explain why cultural considerations are important in health care.

2. Describe the processes of acculturation and assimilation.

3. Define race, culture, ethnicity, ethnocentricity, and cultural relativism.

4. Explain what cultural adaptation is and why it is important in health care.

5. Explain what health disparities are and their related causes.

6. List the five elements of the determinants of health and describe how they relate to health disparities.

7. Explain key legislation related to health and minority rights.

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