Cultural and Spiritual Humility: A Guiding Principle

Abstract

Many texts, including texts outside the domains of both social work and spirituality, focus on the concepts of cultural sensitivity and cultural competence. These concepts are often implemented in such a way as to imply that adherence to a laundry list of cultural do’s and don’ts ensures one’s ability to “connect” to a client and/or community. This chapter explores the concepts of cultural competence, cultural humility, and cultural safety. Diversity in faith and practice is examined in the context of cultural humility, where the focus is on openness and the acknowledgement of one’s own lack of knowledge and understanding as a key to engagement. Suggestions are provided for the incorporation of cultural humility and cultural safety into social work training and education to promote a holistic approach to clients and communities.