Cultural Lens Evaluation

Cultural Lens Evaluation

Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum,

• Read Chapter 2: Developing a Lens of Understanding of the coursebook One Step at a Time: A Roadmap for Problem Solving & Making a Difference.
• Review A Closer Look: Week 2: Lenses of Understanding.

This discussion forum will encourage you to examine your selected problem using a cultural lens. Consider how local customs, beliefs, religions, norms, attitudes, values, economy, political views, geography, collective experiences, etc., can explain or may have contributed to the problem.

In your discussion post,

• Restate the problem statement from your Week 1 Writing the Problem Statement assignment.
• Evaluate the problem using a cultural (subjective) lens.
• Include two pieces of evidence to support your position (e.g., demographic data, local history, etc.). Information or content from the library or textbook is not necessarily current or directly related to the problem you are investigating.

Your initial post should be a minimum of 150 words and is due on Day 3 (Thursday).

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APA

Cultural Lens Evaluation

Restated Problem Statement:
[Insert your problem statement from Week 1 here. For example: “The issue of limited access to mental health services in rural communities results in increased rates of untreated mental health conditions, adversely impacting overall community well-being.”]

Evaluation Through a Cultural Lens:
Access to mental health services in rural areas can be significantly influenced by cultural norms, beliefs, and local attitudes. In many rural communities, stigma around mental health prevents individuals from seeking care, as mental health issues may be perceived as a personal weakness or failure. Additionally, economic disparities and local customs, such as prioritizing physical labor or agriculture over personal well-being, further contribute to the lack of engagement with mental health services.

Religious beliefs also play a role; some individuals may seek spiritual guidance from faith leaders instead of professional mental health care, which can delay or prevent access to evidence-based treatments. Furthermore, the geographical isolation of rural areas, combined with a cultural emphasis on self-reliance, makes it challenging for residents to view external help as a viable solution.

Supporting Evidence:

1. Demographic Data: According to a 2020 report by the National Rural Health Association, 65% of rural counties in the United States lack a psychiatrist, contributing to the issue of mental health disparities.
2. Local History: Historical resistance to government-funded health initiatives in rural areas has often created mistrust of available services, limiting their use despite availability.

Addressing this problem requires culturally sensitive approaches, such as integrating community leaders into mental health advocacy efforts and…