We live in strange and confusing times. The whole world is available to us: people’s lives are on display, and we can connect with strangers from across the globe. According to my logic, this should foster more curiosity and understanding about one another, providing the drive to learn and cultivate more complex yet meaningful connections. Yet, this does not seem to be the case.
Over the past 14 years, the UK political scene has worked hard to dismantle the idea that institutional racism and unconscious biases are real issues. As a result, companies, institutions, and individuals have been led to believe that certain topics need not be acknowledged to build an inclusive society. Culture is one of these topics.
It is not easy to talk about culture because the variation each individual experiences is complex, meaningful, and personal. The risk of misinterpretation and offence is too high, leading to calls for people to be “colour-blind” and “culture-blind.”
Why Is Cultural Competence Important?
Cultural competence is the ability to understand, respect, and effectively interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds. It seems clear to me that, as we live in a globalised world, actively engaging in conversations about culture would provide the knowledge and skills required to recognise and address biases. These biases may otherwise lead to inequalities among students from different backgrounds.
In addition, cultural competence could ensure that assessments, referrals, policies, and decisions are based on students’ actual needs rather than cultural misunderstandings or biases. Surely this would be a step forward?
In the context of special educational needs (SEN), cultural competence is especially crucial due to the unique challenges that arise at the intersection of cultural diversity, neurodivergence, and disability.
The Current Focus of the Educational System
Our current educational system focuses on four main areas:
- Reducing absences
- Reducing exclusion rates
- Increasing parental engagement
- Improving results
I feel confident in saying that if we began talking about and investing in cultural competence, we would start seeing positive changes in all these areas.
It is well-known that cultural perspectives shape and influence perceptions of disabilities and neurodiversity. Families from different backgrounds may have varying expectations of their role in their child’s education or face barriers to participating fully in decision-making processes. Similarly, different cultures have diverse beliefs about disability and education, which can affect how families perceive and communicate their child’s needs.
The Risks of Cultural Misunderstanding
Misinterpreting cultural behaviours or language differences as learning difficulties can result in the overrepresentation or underrepresentation of certain groups in special education. In some cultures, disability may carry a stigma that affects how families engage with services.
This complexity has the potential to harm relationships between families and educators. It also increases the risk of misdiagnosis and inappropriate placements for students.
Moving Towards a Solution
Of course, this is almost certainly an oversimplification of a very complex issue. However, cultural competence could offer a sustainable way forward in addressing systemic problems. It is a fundamental step in creating an equitable education system.
What Can We Do?
As we see a much-needed rise in representation among staff and the incorporation of diverse cultural perspectives in lessons and assignments, the starting point for change is ourselves. Self-reflection on biases and practices, coupled with active participation in workshops and initiatives on cultural competence, is pivotal to building relationships with children, families, and communities.
Engaging in conversations with professionals and advocates from diverse backgrounds is key to fostering progress and inclusive practices. By respecting and addressing cultural beliefs, educators can reduce stigma, promote understanding, and create truly inclusive environments for families and children.
If you would like to learn or share more about cultural competency in neurodiversity and disability, join the GLOSIN Professional Hub. You will connect with like-minded individuals and shape global culturally informed inclusive practices.
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