“Look at Our Country, We Treat Everyone as Equal”: College Student Perspectives on Culture

Abstract

Only a few studies have investigated how college students who have limited exposure to other cultures (i.e., no traveling experiences, little cross-cultural social interaction) understand and define culture. The current study was intended to capture college students’ voices about culture. Three focus groups were conducted with undergraduate college students on issues related to culture. The findings were organized based on the developmental model of intercultural sensitivity. These findings suggest that college students generally lack a deep understanding of their own cultures, as well as other cultures. The findings of this study provide guidance for the development of more effective strategies to increase cultural competency in college students.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

SuYeon Lee

^a

SuYeon Lee ([email protected]) is a PhD candidate in prevention science at Washington State University. Her research focuses on identifying protective and risk factors within both family and school contexts for optimal health and well-being among immigrant children.

Louise Parker

^b

Louise Parker ([email protected]) is a professor in the Department of Human Development at Washington State University. She is co-developer of a cultural competency training program (Navigating Difference) offered to higher education audiences.

Thomas Power

^c

Thomas G. Power ([email protected]) is an emeritus professor of human development at Washington State University. His research focuses on the role of parents in the socialization of children and adolescents, with a focus on health behaviors.