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Cultural immersion through ethnography: the lived experience and group process
Sandra J Brennan1, Mary W Schulze
1Division of Nursing, University of Hartford, West Hartford, Connecticut 06117, USA. sbrennan@hartford.edu
The Journal of Nursing Education
|July 3, 2004
Summary
This study shows that reading ethnographies and discussing them in class helps nursing students understand diverse cultures. The activity reduces ethnocentric perspectives, fostering greater cultural awareness and empathy.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Cultural Competency
- Public Health
Background:
- Ethnocentric perspectives can hinder effective community and public health nursing.
- Fostering cultural understanding is crucial for baccalaureate nursing students.
- Developing strategies to address ethnocentrism in healthcare is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a teaching strategy for reducing ethnocentrism in baccalaureate nursing students.
- To enhance students' understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures.
- To promote critical thinking about cultural perspectives in community/public health.
Main Methods:
- Students selected and read one of seven ethnographies.
- An ethnographic analysis was completed based on specific guidelines.
- In-class groups discussed analyses, commonalities, and differences.
- Students presented findings to the entire class.
Main Results:
- Students demonstrated immersion in the cultures of their selected ethnographies.
- Group discussions facilitated exploration of cultural commonalities and differences.
- The activity provided a shared multicultural learning experience.
- Students' ethnocentricity was challenged, leading to shifts in beliefs.
Conclusions:
- Reading and discussing ethnographies is an effective method for nursing education.
- This strategy promotes critical thinking and cultivates a deeper understanding of diverse cultures.
- The intervention positively impacts students' perspectives on cultural diversity in public health.