Human Diversity Basics
What does “human diversity” mean in healthcare?
The differences among people in characteristics such as age, ethnicity, gender, ability, religion, SES, education, etc.
Which generation makes up about 25% of the U.S. population?
Millennials / Gen Y
Define ethnicity
A person’s distinctive racial, national, religious, linguistic, or cultural heritage
What is gender identity?
An inner sense of being male, female, both, neither, or somewhere in between, may be influenced by factors including culture
About how many people worldwide live with a disability?
Over 600 million — about 10% of the world’s population
What is bias?
Thinking negatively of others without justification, often based on stereotypes and negative attitudes
Which generation is currently entering healthcare in large numbers, especially geriatrics and rehab?
Baby boomers
What is ethnocentrism?
Believing your culture’s norms and values are the only acceptable standard
What percentage of infants are born intersex (not fitting male/female categories)?
About 1 in 500
What U.S. law protects people with disabilities from discrimination?
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
How can bias be reduced?
Through knowledge and understanding of others
What percentage of the U.S. population is from the Silent Generation?
7%
What is the difference between assimilation and biculturalism?
Assimilation = giving up original culture to adopt mainstream; biculturalism = balancing two or more cultures
What is homophobia and how can it affect healthcare?
An irrational fear or hostility toward homosexuality; it can cause LGBTQ+ patients to avoid or delay seeking needed care
What two common experiences often unite people with disabilities worldwide, regardless of condition?
Discrimination and social exclusion
What is cultural globalization?
The worldwide exchange and mixing of cultural elements due to increased communication, migration, and interconnectedness
Give one example of an age-related bias
Valuing youth over age, seeing aging as undesirable, considering seniors mentally inferior
Why can assimilation be harmful?
It diminishes the accomplishments and values of minority cultures in favor of the dominant one
Why is it important for radiographers to document a patient’s preferred name in the health record?
To ensure patients are addressed respectfully and inclusively, which builds trust and reduces discrimination in care
Give one example of social exclusion faced by people with disabilities.
Discrimination, limited access to work/education, barriers in healthcare or public life
Name five U.S. mainstream values often seen in healthcare settings.
Individualism, competition, personal achievement, consumerism, efficiency/time orientation, activity/work etc.
Why must radiographers correct age bias in practice?
Older patients bring valuable knowledge and experience; bias can lead to poor care and missed contributions
Why should healthcare providers avoid generalizations about ethnic groups?
Because not all individuals conform to group values, and stereotyping leads to poor care
In 2021, which U.S. law was clarified to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in healthcare?
Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act & Title IX enforcement by HHS
Name the four core values of human rights law as they relate to disability.
Dignity, autonomy, equality, solidarity