The Importance Of Being Aware Of Culture Differences Of Clients

Some of the different customs that apply to the various groups will be immediately obvious. Others will be less so. Different customs and expectations will manifest in a variety of ways.

Catholics do not eat meat on Fridays, and for some religious groups the Sabbath (either Saturday or Sunday) is still a holy day of rest. Greek parents often teach their children, from a young age, to drink alcohol on special occasions. Jewish and Muslim people will only eat kosher and halal foods etc. Some Japanese and some Aboriginal people do not like to make eye contact when speaking with others as it is considered rude. Australian men will shake hands when meeting their friends or acquaintances whilst in some Eastern and European cultures it is customary for men to kiss each other on the cheek.

Many Asian cultures support extended families with grandparents, aunts, uncles and children all in the one house. They will often not seek or utilise aged care or disability care services as caring for these people is seen as a family responsibility.

Aboriginal people either individuals or community groups;take into consideration the fact that Aboriginal people with disabilities are not viewed, by their communities, as being very different from Aboriginal people without a disability. They are thought of as being basically the same as everyone else, therefore treated in pretty much the same way as everyone else. They are considered an integral part of the community and some Aboriginal community members believe that labelling someone as having an intellectual disability is an attempt by white society to break down their solidarity and cultural identity.

Aboriginal people also do not like to talk to outsiders about their disabilities, consequently specialist services are generally not seen as necessary. Aged Aboriginal people are often cared for by the community. However, you must be aware that not all Aboriginal communities hold the same values and ideals as each other or support the same customs. There are many differences between communities and the individuals in them. Do not simply lump indigenous clients under the heading of Aboriginal and expect them all to comply with or support the same cultural norms.

These are only some of the more obvious differences between people and cultures. Be aware that such differences exist and learn as much as you can about how they influence the behaviours of your clients. Ask the clients to explain some of the differences to you, so that you can accommodate them and understand them better.