Comparison of Mexican-American Culture and European American Culture
It is factual that the American healthcare system is based on various dominant European American cultural standards, philosophies, and practices. Some of these values differ in a number of ways from those of other dominant groups, such as Mexicans who make up a considerable number of the population. Cultural differences might bring about conflicts in the formulation of healthcare policies if care is not taken meaning that the health care professional has the role of ensuring that a comprehensive strategy is derived in order to incorporate the values and beliefs of all groups. The culture of Mexican-Americans differs from those of the European Americans in five major ways. For instance, the family is the basic institution of the society among Mexicans, but the case is different with European Americans who value work than their family lives. Mexicans tend to give their families priorities when engaging in any form of interaction. When a child is born, celebrations are undertaken to mark the beginning of the new journey in life. The role of women is to take care of children while men are sole brad winners (Purnell, 2012). In this regard, social mobility is limited whereas it is common among European Americans. The major religion of the Mexicans is Catholic having been influenced by the Spanish during colonialism while European Americans are mostly secular meaning that they exercise various religions.
The culture of the Mexican teaches them to be nationalistic, but European Americans are always obsessed with patriotism meaning that they proud of the existing ways of life. Based on this, Mexicans rarely separate personal life from work, which implies that the family is the main socializing agent, as it controls the life of the individual even in adulthood. Therefore, an individual would work hard to avoid criticism and confrontation from other family members. European Americans are known to be scientific meaning that they rarely involve emotions in making major organizational decisions. In their daily lives, Mexicans believe that dressing has a role to play, especially in relation to performance at work. Dressing and well grooming are valued principles that elevate an individual’s status in society (Singer, 2007). For European Americans, dress code and appearance means nothing, as performance is always given priority.
Meeting the Cultural Challenges
One of the best strategies in addressing cultural challenges is accepting diversity meaning that healthcare professionals ought to appreciate the fact that the majority should have their way, but the minorities have a say. Through this, conflicts would be resolve in the best way possible. For instance, the issue of dressing code that arises among European Americans and Mexican Americans is best addressed through allowing each group to practice their code. In the healthcare institutions, the management should not attempt to introduce a certain policy that calls on people to drop their modes of dressing in favor of the newly introduced (Garrett, 2007). Additionally, appreciation of cultural diversity would resolve the issue on the political culture. While European Americans are nationalistic, Mexican Americans are patriotic. Therefore, healthcare organizations should consider this fact when drawing the organization’s aims, objectives, and policy statement. The vision should not reflect on the patriotic ideals, neither should it be based on nationalism since this would dissatisfy one group. Culture can unite people or it can as well act the main cause of unprecedented conflicts.
References
Garrett, L. (2007). The Challenge of Global Health. Foreign Affairs, 2(1), 14–38.
Purnell, L. (2012). Transcultural health care: A culturally competent approach. Philadelphia: F A Davis.
Singer, P.A. (2007). Grand Challenges in Global Health: The Ethical, Social, and Cultural Program. PLoS Med, 4(9), 90-112.