Questions and Answers
What is culture defined as?
What are the characteristics of culture?
Way of life, guidelines for society, largely unconscious, influential on health, learned from birth, and capable of shaping emotional expressions.
What is worldview?
Stereotyping is an oversimplified opinion or belief about a _____ or group of people.
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What does it mean to acculturate?
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What does it mean to assimilate?
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Which term refers to groups at high risk for morbidity and mortality?
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What is the difference between race and ethnicity?
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What are primary characteristics of culture?
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What are secondary characteristics of culture?
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What is cultural sensitivity?
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How can culture influence responses to pain?
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What are common contemporary ethical principles based on?
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What percentage of Americans experience mental health problems?
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Study Notes
Culture Defined
- Culture encompasses socially transmitted behaviors, beliefs, values, and customs that guide a population's thoughts and decisions.
Characteristics of Culture
- Represents a way of life and establishes societal guidelines and standards.
- Generally unconscious yet influential on health outcomes and personal experiences.
- Acquired from birth through a process known as enculturation, occurring first at home, then in community settings like schools and churches.
- Affects how patients express, experience, and cope with emotions and symptoms.
Misconceptions about Culture
- Culture is not tied to racial or biological traits.
- It is not fixed or permanent; it can evolve and change.
- Culture does not define individuals exclusively; it belongs to all.
Worldview
- Refers to the perspective through which individuals interpret and understand their surroundings.
Stereotyping
- Involves oversimplified beliefs about a person or a group, which can lead to misinformation.
Generalizations
- Condenses many characteristics of individuals or groups into broad categories, often overlooking nuances.
Acculturation
- The process of modifying one's culture as a result of interacting with different cultures, leading to a bicultural identity.
Assimilation
- Involves gradually losing one's original culture in favor of adopting a dominant culture.
Vulnerable Populations
- Refers to groups with limited resources facing high risks for health issues, often described using terms like oppressed, marginalized, and underserved.
Race
- Defined by genetic origins and physical traits such as skin color, blood type, and hair/eye color.
Ethnicity
- A cultural construct associated with belonging to a specific cultural group, characterized by shared practices like language, holidays, and customs.
Primary Characteristics of Culture
- Fixed traits that shape one's worldview from an early stage, including nationality, race, gender, and religion.
Secondary Characteristics of Culture
- Dynamic traits influenced by life experiences, including education, socioeconomic status, and political beliefs, which can vary over time.
Subcultures
- Groups with experiences differing from the dominant culture, often defined by aspects like socioeconomic status and education, which can shape perspectives and behaviors.
Cultural Sensitivity
- Awareness of one’s own biases and beliefs, ensuring respectful interactions with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, crucial for effective patient-nurse relationships.
Cultural Response to Sickness
- Medical attention seeking can be heavily influenced by cultural norms and beliefs, with variations in perspectives on when to seek help.
Cultural Response to Pain
- Pain perception, referred to as the "fifth vital sign," varies culturally; understanding these differences is vital for culturally competent care.
- Healthcare providers should research ethnic specific responses to pain for appropriate assessment and intervention.
Culture and Ethics
- Ethical principles often reflect Western philosophy; healthcare providers must navigate personal values regarding cultural preferences for genetic testing and related issues.
Mental Health Problems
- Approximately 1 in 5 Americans experience mental health issues, highlighting the prevalence of psychological challenges in society.
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Description
Explore the essential concepts of culture through these flashcards. Each card presents a definition or characteristic that captures the complexity of culture as a social construct. Ideal for students and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of cultural dynamics.
