As an expert in the field of cultural studies, I have spent considerable time examining the nuances between cultural competence and diversity. It is a common misconception that these two concepts are interchangeable, but they are distinct and complementary aspects of a more inclusive society.

Cultural Competence is a dynamic and continuous process that involves developing the ability to understand and interact effectively with people from different cultures. It is a set of **congruent behaviors, attitudes, and policies** that allow an individual or an organization to function effectively in cross-cultural situations. This concept was first introduced by Dr. David T. Cross in 1988 and has since evolved to encompass a broader understanding of cultural interactions.

Cultural competence is not just about being aware of cultural differences; it is about actively engaging with them. It involves:


1. Awareness: Recognizing one's own cultural background and the biases that come with it.

2. Knowledge: Understanding the beliefs, practices, and values of different cultures.

3. Skills: Developing the ability to communicate effectively with people from different cultures.

4. Encounters: Experiencing and learning from interactions with people from different cultural backgrounds.

5. Desire: Having a continuous desire to learn and improve one's cultural understanding.

On the other hand, Diversity refers to the variety of differences among people, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, and physical abilities. Diversity is a fact; it's about the mix of people that make up a community or an organization. It is a static concept that describes the composition of a group.

Diversity is important because it brings a range of perspectives, ideas, and experiences to the table. It is the foundation upon which cultural competence can be built. Without diversity, there would be no need for cultural competence, as there would be no cultural differences to navigate.

The key differences between cultural competence and diversity are:


1. Focus: Cultural competence focuses on the ability to interact effectively across cultures, while diversity focuses on the variety of people within a group.

2. Action vs. Composition: Cultural competence is about taking action to understand and work with people from different cultures, whereas diversity is about the composition of a group.

3. Process vs. State: Cultural competence is a process that involves continuous learning and development, whereas diversity is a state that describes the current mix of individuals in a group.

4. Individual vs. Collective: Cultural competence is often an individual attribute, reflecting a person's ability to adapt and communicate across cultures, while diversity is a collective attribute, describing the group as a whole.

5. Interaction vs. Representation: Cultural competence is about the interaction between individuals of different cultures, while diversity is about the representation of different cultures within a group.

In conclusion, cultural competence and diversity are two distinct but interrelated concepts. Cultural competence is the skill set that allows individuals and organizations to navigate the complexities of a diverse world. Diversity, on the other hand, provides the context in which cultural competence is necessary and beneficial.

read more >>

Diversity & Cultural Competence. Cultural competence can best be understood as a set of congruent behaviors, attitudes and policies that enable a system, agency, or professional to function effectively across cultural difference (Cross, 1988).read more >>