As more Americans turn to alternative or complementary therapies for treatment of cancer or other diseases, it is critical in the acceptance of diverse beliefs and customs to respond in a culturally sensitive manner. Recognizing and understanding the implications of these differing systems can enable nurses to more effectively deliver care. Depending on what book you read, there are a number of definitions for the word culture. Through the processes of language and socialization, individuals are taught culture from birth. Culture is shared by members of the same group.
Culture is an adaptation to the environment in which an individual lives, works, and grows.
Culture is dynamic. It is a continual, changing process. In general, culture can represent the beliefs, knowledge, morals, laws, customs, and habits learned and acquired by individuals. It is typically shared by a group and passed down from generation to generation. Culture is an on-going changing process and guides our patterns of behavior and thinking.