Employing Mexican American Folklore as an Educational Tool to Teach Cultural Competence

Abstract

The goal of this research was to explore Mexican American cultural elements through folklore as a way of addressing cultural competence. Content analysis of 21 stories, which were collected from Mexican American older adults, indicated that strong family ties, gender roles, and religiosity are central cultural elements in Mexican American culture. Critically evaluating cultural factors and employing constructive cultural elements can assist social work professionals in providing effective social services to this population via culturally competent practice.