Overview
This lecture explains Bennett’s Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS), outlining stages from ethnocentric to ethnorelative worldviews, and how individuals develop intercultural competence.
The DMIS Framework
- DMIS describes a continuum from ethnocentrism (seeing one's culture as central) to ethnorelativism (understanding multiple cultures).
- There are six stages: Denial, Defense, Minimization (ethnocentric), and Acceptance, Adaptation, Integration (ethnorelative).
Ethnocentric Stages
- Denial: Individuals ignore diversity and rely on stereotypes, lacking awareness of cultural differences.
- Moving out of denial requires learning to notice and categorize cultural differences.
- Defense: Recognition of differences paired with negative judgment; includes denigration (belittling others), superiority (seeing own culture as best), and reversal (seeing others as inherently better).
- Individuals in defense must be encouraged to see value beyond their own culture.
- Minimization: People notice only superficial differences, believing all humans are basically alike, and downplay real cultural influences.
- Those in minimization often fail to recognize the deep impact of culture on needs and behaviors.
Ethnorelative Stages
- Acceptance: Individuals acknowledge and appreciate deeper cultural differences in values and behavior.
- Acceptance does not require agreement with all differences but allows understanding without judgment.
- Adaptation: Individuals can shift behavior and perspectives to communicate and function effectively in different cultural contexts, showing cognitive empathy.
- At this stage, people become bicultural or multicultural, intentionally adapting for effectiveness.
- Integration: Rarely achieved, individuals develop multiple cultural frames of reference and fluidly navigate among them.
Educational Implications
- Intercultural sensitivity develops gradually through intentional exposure and education.
- Integrating DMIS concepts into education enhances cultural competence in students and teachers.
Key Terms & Definitions
- DMIS (Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity) — A six-stage model describing progression from ethnocentric to ethnorelative perspectives.
- Ethnocentrism — Belief that one's own culture is central and superior.
- Ethnorelativism — Understanding and respecting multiple cultural viewpoints.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the six DMIS stages and self-reflect on personal intercultural development.
- Explore ways to integrate intercultural training in educational settings.