With increased awareness of issues of privilege, equity, and structural discrimination, many have begun to wonder if Cultural competence is the right approach. Upon closer examination the concept of cultural competence itself seems problematic: Can I really be competent in your culture? Where is the line between second-hand cultural knowledge and stereotyping?
Cultural humility has emerged as an alternative. Instead of focusing on developing competence, cultural humility involves an awareness of and a commitment to redressing power imbalances, a practice of honest and non-defensive self-reflection, and an appreciative of otherness that allows individuals to determine the relevance of their own cultural identities in a given context.
What are the distinctions differences between cultural competence and cultural humility?