A social dominance theory perspective on multicultural competence

ABSTRACT

We describe and test a new perspective on understanding multicultural competencies (MCCs), namely the application of Social Dominance Theory (SDT). We argue that the process of developing MCCs is not only about learning but also unlearning; that is, unlearning beliefs developed through socialization by the dominant culture, such as the meritocracy myth, and coming to understand the role of privilege in systemic oppression. The present study examined the relationship between self-reported MCCs and three SDT-derived factors: social dominance orientation, awareness of privilege, and multicultural training environment. In a sample of counselor and mental health trainees (N = 362), awareness of privilege was significantly related to multicultural knowledge and awareness; multicultural training environment was related only to multicultural knowledge, and social dominance orientation only to multicultural awareness. Importantly, the ceiling effect observed highlights concerns about what self-report MCCs measures are measuring. Implications, and recommendations for training, research methodology, and research instrumentation are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Multicultural competence
• multicultural training
• training
• multicultural counseling
• social dominance
• privilege

Acknowledgments

This study was funded in part by the University at Albany Dissertation Research Fellowship Award, 2013–2014. The first author would like to thank Dr. Micki Friedlander, Dr. Tania Israel, Dr. Mike Ellis, and Dr. Lisa Spanierman for their support, guidance, and feedback.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest associated with the present study.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded in part by the University at Albany Dissertation Research Fellowship Award, 2013–2014 .

Notes on contributors

Melanie M. Lantz

Melanie M. Lantz received her PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University at Albany. She is currently an Assistant Professor in School of Community Health Sciences, Counseling and Counseling Psychology at Oklahoma State University. Her research focuses on multicultural competence and social justice.

Alex L. Pieterse

Alex L. Pieterse received his PhD in Counseling Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University. His is currently an Associate Professor in the Division of Counseling Psychology at the University at Albany – SUNY. His research focuses on psychological aspects of race and racism and self-awareness in the psychotherapy process.

Terrill O. Taylor

Terrill O. Taylor received his B.A. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Houston. He is currently a doctoral student in counseling psychology at Louisiana Tech University, and will soon begin as a doctoral student in counseling psychology at the University of North Dakota. His research focuses on race, oppression, and identity development.