Cultural schema – Definition and Explanation

Understanding Cultural Schema: A Key Concept in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Definition:

Cultural schema refers to the mental structures and frameworks that individuals use to organise knowledge and interpret experiences based on their cultural background. These cognitive frameworks influence how we perceive, understand, and interact with the world around us, including our understanding of social norms, values, and behaviours.

Cultural schemas can be shaped by various factors, including ethnicity, religion, family upbringing, education, and societal influences. They play a crucial role in how we process information and make sense of cultural differences, thereby impacting interactions in diverse settings, such as workplaces and communities.

Importance of Cultural Schema in DEI

In the context of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), understanding cultural schemas is essential for fostering inclusive environments. Here’s why:

  1. Enhancing Communication: Cultural schemas can lead to misunderstandings when individuals from different backgrounds interact. By recognising these schemas, we can improve communication and reduce potential conflicts.
  2. Promoting Empathy: Understanding others’ cultural schemas allows individuals to see the world from different perspectives, fostering empathy and mutual respect.
  3. Guiding Policy and Training: In DEI initiatives, recognising diverse cultural schemas can help organisations create effective training programs that address unconscious biases and promote cultural competence among employees.
  4. Supporting Inclusive Decision-Making: Awareness of cultural schemas can lead to more inclusive decision-making processes, ensuring that a variety of perspectives are considered.

Example:

Consider the concept of family roles. In some cultures, the family unit is seen as a collective, where decisions are made by the elders, and individual opinions may take a backseat. This cultural schema influences how individuals perceive authority, responsibility, and community.

For instance, in a workplace setting, an employee from a collectivist culture might hesitate to voice their opinions in a team meeting, believing that deference to seniority is more appropriate. Conversely, an employee from an individualistic culture may view speaking up as a sign of initiative and confidence. Understanding these differing schemas can help team leaders facilitate more inclusive discussions that encourage participation from all members.

Conclusion:

Cultural schema is a fundamental concept in understanding how cultural backgrounds shape perceptions and interactions. In the realm of DEI, recognising and addressing these schemas can lead to improved communication, empathy, and inclusivity in diverse settings. By integrating cultural schema awareness into policies and training, organisations can create environments where every individual feels valued and understood.

References:

Nishida, H. (2005). Cultural schema theory. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2005-01619-017

Boutyline, A., & Soter, L. K. (2021). Cultural schemas: What they are, how to find them, and what to do once you’ve caught one. American Sociological Review, 86(4), 728-758. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/00031224211024525

Hunzaker, M. F., & Valentino, L. (2019). Mapping cultural schemas: From theory to method. American Sociological Review, 84(5), 950-981. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0003122419875638

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