Definition:

Cultural Competence is the ability to interact effectively with people of different cultures, and it helps to ensure that the needs of all community members are addressed. Culture is a term that goes beyond just race or ethnicity. It can also refer to such characteristics as age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, income level, education, geographical location, or profession.

Cultural competence means to be respectful and responsive to the health beliefs and practices — and cultural and linguistic needs — of diverse population groups. Developing cultural competence is also an evolving, dynamic process that takes time and occurs along a continuum.

Back to listing
education culture Diversity discrimination Client-centered counseling Bias