Module 3
Examining Multicultural Perspectives
Understanding diverse perspectives and world views is an important part of understanding oneself, our relationship to the world, and how to work well with others.
Often, especially in a class about multiculturalism or diversity, "culture" becomes synonymous with "race" or "ethnicity."
The Activity...
In small groups of 3-4 people, use one piece of paper to record your thoughts.
Step 1
Write the word "MULTICULTURAL" in the top-middle of the page
Step 2
Underline the word "multi" and as a group, write down what you think it means.
Step 3
Underline the word "cultural" and as a group, write down what you think it means (both the dictionary-type meaning as well as what it means to you personally.)
Let's think of the word "culture" more deeply. Write down all dimensions of culture you can think of - reflect on your own cultures and the dimensions of that culture with which you identify.
Let's categorize your ideas of culture.
Now you will use Nitza Hidalgo's "3 levels of culture" to place each of your ideas into a category.
Concrete
This is the most visible and tangible level of culture, and includes the most surface-level dimensions such as clothes, music, food, games, and so on. These aspects of culture are often those which provide the focus for multicultural "festivals" or "celebrations."
Behavioral
This level of culture clarifies how we define our social roles, the language we speak, and our approaches to nonverbal communication. The Behavioral level reflects our values. Aspects to be listed in this category include language, gender roles, family structure, political affiliation, and other items that situation us organizationally in society.
Symbolic
This level of culture includes our values and beliefs. It can be abstract, but it is most often the most important level in terms of how individuals define themselves. It includes value systems, customs, spirituality, religion, worldview, beliefs, mores, and so on.
ASSIGNMENT
Now that you have had the opportunity to delve deeper into the meaning of multiculturalism, it is time to make connections to future employment.
Using the posted document, answer the three questions after you have spent a bit of time researching the answers.
Your responses should be in full sentences.
SUBMIT
Submit your completed assignment in your Flex block Google Classroom.
Due: Thursday, December 8