Culture and worldview are complex, dynamic and mostly unconscious. Without specific training most people do not understand culture. They do not know how it is influencing their own behavior and choices and those of others. Even when a member of a minority culture can more recognize expectations of the majority, it does not mean that they understand culture. Even if they do, they may not want to share these personal aspects with professionals. They may feel as if their views will not be well respected. Often the most important aspects will be the hardest to recognize and share.

Asking people if they have “cultural preferences” might not yield much of value in terms of deeper cultural understanding. People will tend to focus on external aspects of ethnic, linguistic, dietary, or religious differences from the prevailing culture. These are important. However, they won’t be helpful in understanding behavior differences or communication barriers. People might not think to tell you things like the fact that they served in the military for several years. They might not tell you they live in a single room apartment with 12 others. They may not think of these as cultural influences.

Even when you are skilled at learning about people appropriately, they may be cautious to share. In situations where people do not feel powerful, understood, or secure, they may not always tell you everything. It’s important to see this as reasonable, given the situation. It is not a sign of poor character.

Even when they can’t speak specifically to culture, people will have an understanding of what is working for them and what is not working for them. In seeking to understand people more completely and in context of their cultural needs, it’s important to not rush things. It’s also important to consider this as an ongoing discussion. Try different approaches. Ask people: what could make this situation better for you? Is there anything that would be more useful to you? Is there something I could do differently?

Rebecca is a person-centered support professional who was working with George. George has lived most his life on the streets. He struggled with drug and alcohol use. He is nearly full Anishinaabe but he has had no contact with family or the Chippewa tribe since he was 14 years old. George has recently has some health problems. As a result he was admitted into the hospital. Mental health services were mandated through a civil commitment process initiated by the emergency room doctor. Rebecca is asked by her supervisor how she is ensuring that George’s cultural needs are being met. Rebecca says: “I asked him about his culture and he said he doesn’t even think about that stuff anymore.

What implications do you see for this as far as person and family-centered practice? How does it affect the interaction today? How does it affect each person’s ability to work with professionals in the future or to receive quality person and family-centered services? What could be done differently from your view that might work better, if anything?