Significance of culture when working with clients and their families

Abstract

Culture often has a strong impact when families accompany clients or are part of the intervention experience. The dominant culture of the society may not be representative of the specific family culture, particularly with regard to specific ethnic groups in their original locale or as immigrants in another region. The purpose of this article is to emphasize the significance of culture and the recognition that geography alone does not necessarily pinpoint cultural variations. Varied situations when dealing with families of different cultures are demonstrated through specific examples of nuances related to cultures within cultures, including gender issues, age differences, deference to particular family members, expected behavior in a client's home, and occupations that imply status and recognition within certain contexts. Areas of diverse cultures may be found in many countries. They need to be respected and considered when determining intervention goals. Examples of educational approaches to prepare students for dealing with familial variations within the cultural environment are discussed.