How can culture be used to modify or change attitudes about health care?
When discussing culture, we must keep in mind that people are not assigned to a culture for life. As groups of people move into new areas, they bring their culture with them, but can adopt the culture from their new environment. For example, Hispanic women, particularly Mexican, bring with them a cultural belief that certain parts of their body should only be touched by their husbands. However, if this cultural belief causes a woman to refuse a breast or pelvic examination, then we must work with her to adopt new beliefs so that these examinations help her maintain good health. We have also studied cultures in Native American populations. Some Native American tribes do not use the word “cancer.” When asked why they cannot discuss this disease, they say that in their culture if they say the word “cancer” it will bring the disease on their families. When working within a culture, it is necessary to understand the cultural beliefs of that population of people. What is the role of social i
