Cultural competence: A congruent set of behaviors, attitudes, and policies that enable a person or group to work effectively in cross-cultural situations; the process by which individuals and systems respond respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, languages, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, and other diversity factors in a manner that recognizes, affirms, and values the worth of individuals, families, and communities and protects and preserves the dignity of each (National Association of Social Workers, 2001).
Culture: Customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group; a set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution or organization.
Diversity: State or fact of being diverse; different characteristics and experiences that define individuals.
Globalization: The process of integrating regions via communications and economics.
Multiethnic/Multicutural: existence of, and interest in, many cultures within a society rather than in only a mainstream culture.
Multiculturalism: The policy or practice of giving equal attention or representation to the cultural needs and contributions of all the groups in a society.
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