Abuse and Cultural Differences
Cultural differences play an important role in how the abuse is taken by the women and people around her. Contrary to the belief that there’s more abuse towards women in the Third world or Middle Eastern countries, the research shows that abuse knows no boundaries. It does not discriminate between race, ethnic background or class. However, the way abuse is perceived in different backgrounds may be different. Interestingly, U.S is becoming even more multicultural with the influx of diverse immigrants from all over the world with the projection that by 2050, U.S will have its 47.5% of its population from multicultural background.
As mentioned before, although victims may suffer the same battering event, they might perceive and interpret it differently due to differences in how they lived their life with different belief systems. Women from each ethnic background faces unique problem due different social realities and cultural barriers (including language barrier).
The purpose of this blog is to make the readers aware of the American and South Asian cultures and invite them to have a dicussion on how ethnic minorities can be served better.
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CULTURAL EMPHASIS |
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Asian – Indian Women |
Euro – American Women |
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* Their identity is via kinship relations and extended Family |
* More stress is laid upon individuality and having individual identity. |
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* Joint Family System |
* Nuclear Family System |
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* Personal humility & modesty is rewarded. |
* Personal assertion & self advocacy is rewarded |
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* Deference to authority is respectful. |
* Peer relations among adults is norm. |
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* Women would not typically talk about abuse. * “Insiders/Outsider” rule even with professional service providers |
* Women would more easy with sharing information. * Private information is shared with professionals and acquaintances |
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* Clear separation of familial duties; gendered segregation. |
* Limited separation of duties; shared space/activities |
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* Indirect & Implicit communication. |
* Direct & explicit communication. |
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* Belief in Karma & Predetermination. |
* Belief in living life here and now. |
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SOCIALIZATION |
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South Asian Women |
Euro – American Women |
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* Self-sacrifice & tolerance is taught and appreciated. * There is dependency on one’s husband; honor & reputation of natal and husband’s family upheld; collective identity |
* Sacrifice only to an extent for immediate family; tolerance seen as weakness & passivity; separation from natal & husband’s family after marriage |
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* Assumes collective shame & personal responsibility for transgressions |
* Shame & blame directed toward individual transgressors |
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* Authority figures (males, in-laws, government) give unquestioned obedience |
* Authority figure questioned |
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* Motherhood is woman’s identity & grows in importance & prestige within community as she ages |
* Motherhood role diminishes as children grow; anticipates independence or self actualization in later years |
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* Demure, unassuming demeanor. Modest apparel |
* Forthright, independent demeanor; Fashion dictates apparel |
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* Know who you are & stay there
Please contact SAWERA at 503 641 2425 or at sawera@sawera.oeg if you wish to have a training or a discussion on cultural differences and how women and children from ethnic backgrounds can be served in a culturally sensitive manner. |
* Know what you want & go for it.
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