Culture in Action

You attend a home visit with a Japanese client do you…

A) take off your shoes

In Japan and even some homes in Australia you may consider taking off your shoes however some in parts of Asia you may clap your hands together. Knocking on your door could be considered global and also how familiar you are to the person would need to be known. These small actions could mean the difference between offending a customer or making valuing their culture and respecting their wishes.

You can improve your own knowledge of the following:

• knowledge and understanding of the client’s cultural background (e.g. ethnicity, language, religion, customs and traditions)
• develop an understanding and awareness of different ‘world views’ of clients from diverse cultural, ethnic, religious and linguistic backgrounds
• understanding of the impact of racism and
• awareness of socioeconomic factors impacting on both CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) and refugee community groups.

Also think about issues of power and control...

1. Group or individual
2. Gender Roles in each family
3. Religious and spiritual beliefs and traditions

Do you think about these things when working with someone from a country you don't know much about?

Does your service meet the needs of CALD clients and their families?

**Try the quiz questions to see how aware you are of other cultures**

If you don't get 100% then try these links and do some reading to find out why.

https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/

http://www.cultura.org.au/

http://www.diversicare.com.au/service-providers/ge...