Intercultural Sensitivity Development

Understanding Intercultural Sensitivity

Concept of intercultural sensitivity: Ability to recognize and appreciate cultural differences.
Importance of moving from ethnocentric to ethnorelative perspectives.

Framework: Continuum from highly ethnocentric to highly ethnorelative.
Stages:
- Ethnocentric Side: Denial, Defense, Minimization
- Ethnorelative Side: Acceptance, Adaptation, Integration

Denial
- Ignorance of diversity; minimal understanding of differences.
- Characterized by stereotypes and superficial tolerance.
- Bennett describes this as the "stupid question syndrome."
Defense
- Recognition of cultural differences but with negative evaluations.
- Three areas:
  - Denigration: Belittling others.
  - Superiority: Extreme ethnocentrism.
  - Reversal: Viewing one’s own culture as inferior.
Minimization
- Acknowledges superficial differences but believes in essential sameness of all humans.
- Difficulty moving out of this stage as individuals feel they are already understanding others.
- Often see all people as alike, ignoring deeper cultural differences.

Acceptance
- Ability to recognize and appreciate cultural differences in values and behaviors.
- Does not equate to agreement with all cultural practices.
Adaptation
- Cultural categories perceived as flexible; improved communication across cultures.
- Involves cognitive empathy and the ability to view situations from other cultural perspectives.
- Becoming bicultural or multicultural with intentional perspective-taking.
Integration
- Final stage, rarely achieved.
- Individuals move freely among cultural groups and have multiple frames of reference.

Intercultural development is a gradual process; requires time and planned exposure.
Educators should integrate knowledge of intercultural sensitivity into teaching methods.
Aim for culturally effective and competent students and educators.