Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Bridgette Black
Student Background
School: Rowland Norment Elementary Culture: Arabic Age: 3rd Grade Sex: Male Problem: Disrespect female authority
Cultural Competence
Understanding cultural differences Taking into account beliefs, values, activities, and customs which distinguish different cultures.
Problem Statement
Student had a problem with female authority. If the teacher told him to sit down, he would respond no, I tell you to sit down. Student did not see that women held authority over him.
Services
Received referral from the teacher Made a home visit to the students home Students mother received the same treatment teachers did however, she was very submissive almost to the point of obscure Scheduled meeting at school with the father. Informed him of the students treatment of female authority. Acknowledged the cultural differences in treatment of women but disrespecting teachers shows other students it is okay and the teacher loses her level of authority in the eyes of students.
Services Cont
Father was very agreeable and the student was brought into the conference. Father informed him that while at school he was to listen. To view the women as authority figures in the school setting. Student listened and there has not been a problem after. *This is not the case with all Arabic families however some adhere strictly to their culture and this was one of those families that did.*
Biases
I did have my guard up initially when going into this interview. I felt that if the student felt it okay to treat women with such a blatant disrespect, he had to have learned it from the male figure in the family. I had reservations because being that it is their culture, I thought I would be disrespected as well by the father.
Value Differences
Clearly the main value difference was the treatment of women. I view us as equals while the student and father viewed them as inferior.
Life Experiences
The way he was raised. His culture did not see women as equals and this is how he grew up. I do not think that will change necessarily but I do believe he will realize when it is and is not okay to treat women as inferiors.
Recommendation
Home visit and conference with the father were the initial recommendations which were successful so no further recommendation was made.