Cultural Diversity: Mexican Communication Style - Essay Example

"Cultural Diversity: Mexican Communication Style" is an excellent example of a paper on social and family issues.
Cultural and language diversity and socio-economic status usually add to low health literacy which is the incapability to comprehend or act on medical/therapeutic guidelines. Cultural beliefs around health and illness, inclusive but not restricted to ethnic minorities or immigrants, have a say in an individual’s capacity to act on a doctor’s directives in ways that are closely attached to literacy levels. Mexican culture is dynamic and articulated in diverse ways, due to a person’s life experience and individuality. Hence, the reader ought to constantly take prudence to shun stereotyping Mexicans on the basis of the wide generalizations. Some Mexicans who reside in the United States can be more or less acculturated to conventional U.S. culture (Leininger, 1990).

It is a tradition of the Mexicans for the father or oldest male relative to have the say in the family matters and their women were subject to them (Kemp & Rasbridge, 2004).  Usually, a matriarch has the say on when and whether a family member needs medical attention but, still the male also has the power to give the necessary permission (Smith, 2000). In other cases, the whole family is usually thoroughly involved in the development of solutions. A greater percentage of Mexicans are Christians especially Catholics and a few Protestants. Faith and church play a critical role in people’s ways of life especially in dealing with issues of illness and healing (Kemp & Rasbridge, 2004). Though the Aztec religion, a structure of animism (the conviction that spirits dwell in natural objects) and polytheism (worship of more than one god), is virtually wiped out, several features are conserved in customary medical beliefs (Smith, 2000).

Communication styles frequently mirror Mexican cultural values and sometimes influence the ways in which Mexicans socialize with each other and health care providers. Considering the setting to be of health care; experiences of Mexican patients can be influenced by verbal and nonverbal communication skills and this may influence their behaviors and treatment observance in search of care. Mexican social customs accentuate the significance of personal relationships (Smith, 2000).  Families are the importance of family over personal or society wants and the expression of sturdy allegiance, reciprocity, and unity amongst family members (Smith, 2000).

Nonverbal communication: the use of constant eye contact when talking to someone is usually regarded as a sign of respect in some cultures but Mexicans, consider it as being rude or a challenge. Furthermore, if the patient keeps quiet this portrays several things like timidity, uncertainty, annoyance, dissatisfaction, courtesy, or not understanding. This should not be assumed as agreeing or disagreeing. Hence essential for the health care provider to enquire more through the asking of more questions or persuades the patient to be clearer in his responses. It's traditional for Mexican patients to be uneasy when touched by someone other than their family members or close friends, hence the healthcare providers should seek permission from the patients before examining them (Guarnero, 2005).

Mexicans have different perspectives and understanding about health. Others believe that good looks depict good health and are a reward for good behavior. Additionally, illness is seen to be a result of natural or supernatural occurrences. Some of the general Mexican folk illnesses are as follows; Humoral imbalance, Empacho, Mal de Ojo, Envidia, Susto. Mexicans sometimes merge traditional health methods with Western Medicine. The Mexicans who do not afford the western medicines usually resort to traditional practices. The sought of services from neighbors, relatives, the community and traditional medicine practitioners are some of the traditional behaviors in search of health care. The intake of herbs or spiced teas is some of the home remedies. The curanderos attend to the social, physical, spiritual, and psychological side of health (Kemp & Rasbridge, 2004).