Cultural humility is founded on a set of core values that guide interactions and institutional practices toward genuine respect and understanding across cultures.
The values of cultural humility encompass a commitment to continuous self-evaluation, building trusting relationships, and addressing systemic inequalities. Based on the provided reference, the key values that define cultural humility include:
- Openness
- Self-Reflection/Awareness
- Lifelong learning
- Institutional accountability
- Empathy and compassion
- To be “other-oriented”
- Acknowledging Power Imbalances and Balancing power imbalances
Core Personal Commitments
At the heart of cultural humility are personal values that drive individual behavior and interaction styles.
- Openness: This value emphasizes being receptive to different perspectives, experiences, and ways of being without judgment. It involves approaching interactions with curiosity rather than assumptions.
- Self-Reflection/Awareness: A critical component is the ongoing process of examining one's own biases, assumptions, and cultural background. This self-awareness helps individuals understand how their own perspective might influence interactions with others.
- Lifelong learning: Cultural humility is not a destination but a continuous journey. This value highlights the commitment to ongoing education and engagement with diverse cultures and experiences throughout one's life.
Relational and Interpersonal Values
Cultural humility significantly impacts how individuals relate to one another, fostering deeper connections.
- Empathy and compassion: These values involve the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, particularly those from different cultural backgrounds, and to act with kindness and care.
- To be “other-oriented”: This perspective shifts the focus from oneself to the individual or group with whom one is interacting. It means prioritizing their experiences, perspectives, and needs.
Systemic and Structural Values
Cultural humility also extends beyond individual interactions to influence organizations and systems.
- Institutional accountability: This value calls for organizations and systems to take responsibility for creating environments that are equitable and respectful of cultural differences. It involves examining policies and practices to ensure they do not perpetuate inequality.
- Acknowledging Power Imbalances and Balancing power imbalances: Cultural humility requires recognizing the inherent power differentials that exist in many relationships and systems (e.g., professional-client, dominant group-minority group). It involves consciously working to share power, empower others, and challenge oppressive structures.
Summary of Cultural Humility Values
| Value | Description |
|---|---|
| Openness | Being receptive and non-judgmental towards diverse perspectives. |
| Self-Reflection/Awareness | Ongoing examination of one's own biases and cultural lens. |
| Lifelong learning | Commitment to continuous education about different cultures. |
| Institutional accountability | Systems taking responsibility for equitable and respectful practices. |
| Empathy and compassion | Understanding and caring for others' feelings and experiences. |
| To be “other-oriented” | Focusing on the needs and perspectives of others. |
| Acknowledging & Balancing Power | Recognizing power differences and actively working to share power. |
By embodying these values, individuals and institutions can move beyond simple cultural competence towards a more dynamic, respectful, and equitable approach to interacting with diverse populations.
