Equality and Diversity

Community Customs and BeliefsWorkbook

Version 1 December 2014

Ethnocentrism

This can be defined as “the making of judgements about others’ behaviour and cultures based upon our own culture as the norm; viewing others through the eyes of our own culture.”

Or “the view of things in which one’s own group is the centre of everything, and all others are scaled-down and rated with reference to it” (Sumner).

Is this something the British do? For example, Germans with towels, Spanish being Iazy, Americans being loud, Indians eating with hands.

What about the great English tradition of queuing? What do we think of people who don’t queue? Of course, some cultures don’t understand the concept of queuing and foreign students in this country get beaten up for it! Even terms like ‘please, thank you’ may seem sycophantic to other cultures; indeed in some languages there isn’t a word for please!

Of course, we all tend to be ethnocentric; that is normal especially if we are members of the ethnic majority. When one culture is dominant its members tend to see themselves as normal and, in some cases, may see the others as a problem.

The challenge for you as a professional working in a multi-cultural society, when the vast majority of you are from that majority culture, should be clear: delivering a fair and professional quality of service to the whole of the community

Please now read the information contained on the following pages about different cultural, religious and racial groups. After reading the information about each group, consider the following task. A text box is included following the information about each group for you to record your thoughts:

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What is it about this culture that differs or is in conflict with your value system, or is indeed the same?

What area of that person’s culture or religious belief may impact upon you when dealing with a person from that group as a customer?

Please be aware that the information contained in this material is very general and intended only to give guidance on potential considerations. Not everyone from each of these groups will behave in the way described. Many other factors may impact upon them. For example, residence in a country with a different culture to that of their national origin, depth of religious faith etc.

Chinese

The Chinese do not tend to form close-knit geographic communities in the way some other minority ethnic groups do. The family is very important in Chinese culture. An individual’s behaviour reflects not only on themselves and their immediate family, but also on the reputation of ancestors and on future generations, making for very strong family loyalty.Chinese have a traditional respect for authority, but may not respect authority figures that show little regard for, or understanding of their culture.

Main Languages

Chinese people share a pictorial language of some 16000 characters, each standing for an entire word.

Any literate Chinese person, regardless of spoken dialect, can read leaflets and forms translated into Chinese characters.

Cantonese and Hakka dialects are the spoken dialects most frequently used in Britain.

Names

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Traditionally the family name comes first, then first names. (E.g. Wong May)

A person with two first names may combine them together (E.g. May Lin becomes Maylin)

A married woman may take her husbands family name as a prefix (Chang Wong May Lin)

Where an English personal name is used, the family name will usually be put last (E.g. Jim Chang)

If in doubt as to what is the correct family name – ask. There are several variations practiced, particularly in relation to a child’s family name.

Beliefs

Ancestor worship is strong in the Chinese belief system There is no single religious following. Beliefs may include Atheism,

Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Taoism, and Maoism. Although shrines are not usually found in Chinese homes, temporary

altars may be set up for specific festivals or weddings.

Religious Festivals

Several throughout the year

Dress

Predominately Western dress

Diet

Preference for Chinese food Diet may be influenced by Chinese cultural beliefs about health being

related to a balance of physical elements in the body.

Medical Treatment

Preference for Western or traditional medicine will vary with upbringing and age group.

Social Customs

Chinese society involves little emotional display or physical contact, even between parents and children.

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‘Face’ refers to prestige and reputation either as an individual or groups. Where a member of a family is shamed the rest of the family also loses face within their own community.

An individual has a strong sense of belonging towards the group they are attached to, hence developing a high responsibility towards their families and work organisations.

Respect for elders is widely shown. Where a person is addressed as ‘aunty’, ‘uncle’, ‘older brother’, etc this may be a respectful way of referring to a friend of the family

A person’s family of origin is of great significance, hence the retention of the maiden name by many married women.

Birth Customs

Boys are traditionally seen as the bearers of the family name and predominant heirs to family property.

Fathers are rarely present at a birth.

Death Customs

White is the colour of mourning A person should die in the presence of relatives, preferably at home. To die alone, is considered a very sad fate for a Chinese person. When dealing with sudden deaths there are no particular issues.

Visiting

When visiting socially, Chinese people often bring a small gift, such as fruit, sweets or cakes.

If offered refreshments it is polite to accept. It would be wise to contact the male head of the family initially, when

making enquiries, rather than directly with younger members of the family.

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Hindus

Hinduism is one of the world’s most ancient religions. Like most religions, Hindus only worship the one God, but this is done through the form of deities. Hinduism is a way of life and a set of beliefs. The caste system is less strict in the West, than in other parts of the world.

Names

Hindus usually have three names – a personal name, a complimentary name (which may be joined with their first name) and lastly a family or sub-caste name.

The family name should be used for record purposes.

Beliefs

Hindus believe in one divine conscious power, superior to man, manifested in many forms, with many names

There are five main principles of Hinduism known as the five Ps –Parmeshwar (God), Prathana (Prayer), Punarjanma (Rebirth)Purushartha (Law of Action – four objectives being religious duties, material prosperity, satisfaction of desire, salvation)Prani Daya (Compassion for all living things)

According to the Holy books there is only one caste, humanity, but in practice Hindu society is broken down into four main groups.

Some Hindus in Britain may observe the caste system and wish to avoid association with members of other castes. This is particularly so with arranged marriages.

Prayer

Hindus may wish to pray twice daily. Copies of holy books, prayer beads and the burning of incense may

be desired and should be made available where practicable. A room in the home may be set aside for prayer, in which shoes are

removed. The temple is particularly used for festival and special celebrations.

Religious Festivals

Hindu festivals (of which there are many) have a deep spiritual meaning and serve many socially useful purposes,

Festivals do not fall on the same date annually, but are based upon

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the movement of the moon around the earth.

Social Customs

Showers are preferred to baths, as are bidets to toilet paper.

Dress

Women wear a Sari, Shalwar (loose-fitting trousers) or Kameez (loose fitting trouser suit and Chadar (long scarf covering the head) or Western dress.

Married women may wear a red spot on the forehead (Bindi) and sometimes they may wear a red streak in the hair parting.

Most men wear Western dress for work, but may wear traditional dress (Kameez or Jurta (long tunic) at home or on special occasions.

Diet

Hindus do not eat beef and many are strict vegetarians, although cow’s milk is usually acceptable. (If in doubt ask)

Plates or utensils used for preparing or eating meat are not compatible with the vegetarian lifestyle. (Consider disposable plates)

Tobacco and alcohol are forbidden. Fasting is observed on occasions, but not all Hindus fast at the same

time.

Medical Treatment

Hindu women prefer to be treated by female staff, particularly where issues of modesty are concerned.

There are no special religious objections to medical treatment. Post Mortems are disliked, but accepted where necessary

Birth Customs

Mother and child rest at home for 40 days after the birth and other family members will prepare meals during this rest period.

A ceremony will be held for a boy at the age of seven, to remind him of his religious duties.

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Death Customs

All possible steps should be taken to permit a Hindu to die at home, since death in hospital can cause great distress.

Death may be occasion for ceremonial rituals to be carried out.

Visiting

Visits will not be allowed to interrupt Morning Prayer, which usually occurs after bathing in the morning.

Be aware of festivals when arranging visits It is impolite to refuse refreshments when offered. When entering a Hindu home it is best not to shake hands unless a

handshake is offered.

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Judaism

Judaism is a religion dating back over 4,000 years and originated in the Middle East. There are Jewish communities spread all over the globe today with major Jewish communities in London, Manchester and Leeds.

Religious groups in Britain follow a number of lines:

OrthodoxOrthodox Jewish people believe that the laws and teachings in the Torah, the Jewish Religious Book, must be followed today exactly as God passed them down in the time of Moses.

Non-OrthodoxNon Orthodox Jewish people believe that some of the Torah’s teachings can be adapted to be more relevant to the needs of living in a modern society.

Beliefs

The Jewish faith believes there is one God who is everlasting. They do not believe in Jesus as the Son of God but believe there will be a Messiah in the future.

The greatest principle of Jewish life is the belief that loving God means loving your neighbour.

The central belief in God is contained in the statement of belief called the Sherma, which is recited twice a day.

The holy book, the Torah, contains the first five books of the bible and sets out the Ten Commandments.

The Talmud is a written collection of interpretations of the Bible and instructs on the Jewish way of life.

Prayer

A Jewish person can pray anywhere. There is no need for a formal place of worship. There are places where the Jewish faith can gather to pray and study and where they can gather as a community such as synagogues.

Prayers are held 3 times a day. Men and women can share these prayer times but are in separate parts of the same room during the service.

Many synagogues have a Rabbi (Teacher) who teaches the

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community about interpretation of Torah and Talmud. Many Orthodox Jewish men will wear a prayer shawl and

Phylacteries (small leather containers holding biblical texts) fixed on their upper left arm and foreheads while at prayer. These Prayers must be said before noon.

Dress

Some Orthodox Jews keep their heads covered at all times. The males will wear a Kippah (Skull Cap).

Some married women from Orthodox communities will always keep their heads covered when in public and may not wear sleeveless tops or trousers.

Ultra Orthodox Sects known as Hasidic Jews can often be recognised by their dark clothing, long coats, wide brimmed hats, side locks and beards.

All men MUST cover their heads whilst in the synagogue

Diet

Certain animals, birds and fish are either Kosher (permitted/regular/in order) or Treif (forbidden)

Pork is strictly forbidden and Jewish people cannot eat certain things together such as milk and meat products.

Foods that contain or have been cooked in forbidden products are also prohibited.

Great care should be taken to ensure that utensils used for cooking and eating meat and dairy dishes are kept separately.

Social Customs

Orthodox female Jews may be reluctant to shake hands with male officers.

Orthodox male Jews may not welcome physical contact with female officers.

The Sabbath extends from dusk on a Friday until dusk on a Saturday with some Jews not even using the telephone during these times.

In domestic and child welfare issues the safety, health and well being of the person overrides any religious observance.

If an officer wishes to visit a synagogue it is best to contact a community member prior to attending for security reasons.

A community leader or contact may be able to assist with further

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advice regarding religious and dietary requirements if a Jewish person is brought into custody.

Death Custom

In Judaism it is believed the soul escapes the body after death and returns to God.

Jewish funerals usually take place within 2 days of the death. Funerals do not take place on the Sabbath or on major Jewish festival

dates. There are 4 stages of mourning lasting until 11 months after the

death, during which the mourners can grieve. A Jewish individual in custody may require facilities to pray regarding the death of a family member.

The Jewish faith has specific ways of dealing with the deceased and it is advisable to contact a relative or community leader when considering removal of the body.

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Muslims

Islam is a way of life and a set of beliefs and is the multiracial faith of

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Muslims. The cultural origins of a Muslim will produce a wide ranging variety of attitudes, traditions and practices in relation to abiding by the articles of faith, the rituals of worship, the code of conduct and the tenets of Islam.

Names Muslims have a personal name (often a name with religious or

cultural significance), but not always a family name. It is important to ask people how they wish to be addressed (Mr, Mrs

or Muslim style) and where possible agree with family members a means of identifying members of one family.

Beliefs Muslims believe in one God and recognise the Prophet of

Mohammed as the latest Prophet Islam is a belief intended for every one. It recognises no caste system

and requires adherents to pray five times each day; to fast from dawn to sunset for one month each year (Ramadan); to give 2&1/2% of their savings to the needy; to make a pilgrimage to Mecca once during their lifetime.

The Koran of Qur’an is the holy book of Islam.

Prayer Muslims pray five times per day, it being obligatory from the age of

twelve, children being encouraged to pray from the age of eight. Prayer is carried out at dawn, just after midday, halfway between

noon and sunset, at sunset and one and a half hours after sunset, so this varies with the calendar.

Muslims pray facing Mecca (Southeast). Many devout Muslims will carry a compass with them to identify Southeast

Privacy should be offered, where possible, for the purpose of prayer, and, if necessary, clean water, a prayer mat and indication of Southeast. The ideal would be a room set aside for prayer.

Where prayer is in progress try not to interrupt, if you arrive at a Muslims home unannounced.

Muslims wash their hands, face and feet in running water before prayer – toilet facilities away from the prayer area and incorporating a bidet or similar would be ideal.

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Religious Festivals The dates of Muslim festivals are calculated by a lunar calendar.

Where festivals are fixed, the lunar date is listed. Consideration should be given to the impact of interruption of

festivals, when dealing with Muslims on police issues.

Dress Muslims follow a code of strict modesty. Men must be covered from

the navel to the knee; only the face and hands of women should be visible.

Diet Alcohol, tobacco, and drugs other than for medicinal purposes are

forbidden Meat is ritually slaughtered (Halal) and the preparation of it for

cooking is by use of separate utensils. Storage of Halal food should not be with non-Halal food.

Pork, animal fats and meat from any carnivorous animal are forbidden.

Consideration should be given to provision of suitable food for Muslims.

Medical Treatment Treatment by a medical attendant of the same sex is strongly

preferred.

Social Customs Avoid shaking hands with a Muslim woman. This may cause offence. Many Muslim women may not be comfortable in mixed company and

will tend to avoid being in a room where men are present. Cross gender communication may cause difficulties or offence.

If refreshment is offered, it is polite to accept. It may prove worthwhile approaching the Elder of the family or local

Mosque to assist in enquiry or for advice. Removal of shoes and covering the head are respectful of the religion

when attending a Mosque or going into the prayer room of a private house.

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Death Customs As a Muslim approaches death he or she will recite the words of the

Shadhadah. Close relatives or friends may read them the following verses from the Qur’an: ‘We belong to Allah, and to him we shall return’

Muslims believe that Allah is the giver of all life- not only the life that we have now but also life after death, so after death the body becomes the property of Allah and should be in the custody of Muslims.

Non-Muslims should wear disposable gloves if they have to touch the body.

As Muslims believe that that everyone will be raised from the dead the body is not destroyed by cremation but shown great respect. The body is washed three times as if for prayer and then all over with soap and water. It is anointed with perfume and wrapped in three pieces of white cloth. In the UK the body is then laid in the coffin on its left side. The coffin is carried to the mosque and it is placed so that the body faces Mecca (SE) Prayers are said simply without the prayer movements and the first chapter of the Quran is repeated. The coffin is then taken to the cemetery for burial.

The body of a Muslim should be buried within 24 hours of death. This may cause conflict after a sudden death and if a post mortem is to be carried out. It may be prudent to involve an elder of the family or Imam at the earliest stage to explain the circumstances and necessity for the procedure.

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Sikhs

Although the majority of Sikhs live in the Punjab, Britain has the highest population outside India. Sikhism is not based on rigid rules or laws but on the teachings of the 10 Gurus set out in the Guru Granth Sahib. It is a way of devotion and a pattern of life. Anyone can become a Sikh if they are prepared to accept the teachings of the Gurus.

Names

Sikhs have a personal name, which is unisex. Their Title name denotes their gender, Singh (lion) for a man, Kaur

(princess) for a woman Their family name should be used for record purposes but a Sikh may

prefer to be addressed by their personal name and title only.

Beliefs

The Sikh holy book is the Guru Granth Sahib Sikhs have an individual relationship with one God, with whom they

aim to achieve unity through cycles of death and rebirth A baptized Sikh will observe strict rules of diet, dress, prayer and

worship at the temple.

Prayer

A Sikh will pray twice a day, once in the morning, once in the evening, although there are no set times for prayer.

Because of this variance in prayer time, tactful inquiry should be made to ensure that a visit does not interrupt prayer.

Where there is a shrine in the room, shoes should not be worn in this area and the head should be covered. Adhere to these rules whilst visiting a temple (Gurdwara).

A temple or shrine should not be visited, where alcohol has recently been consumed.

Religious Festivals

There are three main festivals of note other than weddings and baptism celebrations – 13th/14th January, 13th April (Vasakhi – commemoration of the founding of the Sikh Order of Khalsa) and Diwali – festival of light (moveable dates in the third quarter of the

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year).

Dress

Baptized Sikhs observe the 5 K’s, which are sacred and should not be disturbed unless absolutely necessary: Cutting of hair is forbidden (Kesh) and is secured with a comb

(Khanga) and the head is always covered A metal bangle is worn on the right wrist (Kara) and a dagger is

carried (Kirpan) Men wear short under-breeches (Kachha)

Those Sikhs not baptized may assume some aspects of this dress.

Diet

Many Sikhs are vegetarian and have a high dairy diet. Beef is forbidden.

Alcohol and tobacco are not permitted. Any meat eaten is slaughtered and prepared according to a special

rite.

Medical Treatment

Women prefer to see a female doctor – modesty is of great importance.

There are no religious objections to receiving medical treatment.

Social Customs

Removal of the turban or headdress may cause extreme embarrassment and should occur only where necessary.

Girls will be required to keep their legs covered.

Death Customs

The family is responsible for all ceremonies and rites at death and must be asked if they wish to wash and lay out the body themselves.

Sikhs are always cremated and their ashes scattered into running water.

Funeral rites, with a procession to the crematorium, are of great social significance, where women will wear white head coverings.

There are no religious objections to post-mortems, as Sikhs believe

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that the only sacred part after death is the soul.

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Travelling Communities

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Gypsies and Travellers have been present in Britain for many centuries. Several distinct groups may be identified, but what they share in common is their traditional commitment to a nomadic life-style and the hostility and discrimination directed towards them by the majority settled population.

There are several groups of travelling people including: - Romany –‘a person of nomadic habit of life, whatever their race or

origin, but does not include members of an organised group of travelling showmen or of persons engaged in travelling circuses, travelling together as such’;

Irish and Scottish Travellers – a distinct occupational group. (Irish and Scottish Travellers and Romany cultures are similar – be aware that they may not like each other);

Fairground and Circus Travellers; New Age Travellers

Romanies or Gypsies and Irish Travellers, are protected against discrimination as they are ethnic groups under the Equality Act 2010. They do not normally spend more than a few weeks at each stopping place. More recently Travellers have tended to establish themselves into ‘fixed accommodation’ or sought to purchase their own land, given the hostility and persecution they have experienced from society and authority and as an acknowledgement for the need to educate and address the health and welfare of their children

Beliefs

Historically Gypsies tend to have adopted the dominant religion of whichever land they have settled in.

Protecting the community by avoiding disclosure is, from the Gypsy point of view, a moral imperative, the counterpart being the full truth being relayed to family members on whom they rely and depend.

‘Moving on’ is another means of evading a situation considered oppressive or undesirable by the Gypsy community.

Language

The use of traditional Romany language in speech, the giving of false or alternate names and deliberate lying, in order to conceal or confuse, are specific techniques practiced as a means of self preservation, stemming from past persecution.

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Dress

Modesty in dress and demeanour among women and strict codes relating to washing, care of the body and sexual relations are also features of traditional Gypsy culture.

Social Customs

Every member of the family has a clearly defined role and great importance is placed on the care of their children.

High moral standards and the care of children, particularly the younger ones, are seen as being very important, so care should be taken not to make assumptions thereby causing offence.

Romany, Irish and Scottish Travellers prefer to travel with members of their extended family, which means that they are prepared to help each other and will stand together against authority.

Divisions between families will remain within the Gypsy community – externally families are likely to present a united front.

Cleanliness is very important, in terms of personal hygiene and within the environment of their home.

The area outside the trailer is seen as unclean. Animals are kept outside the trailer in the ‘unclean area’ and are used for work.

Relationships between the sexes are traditionally governed by strict codes of propriety. However attitudes towards education have changed in recent decades and most families would like to see children of both sexes receiving at least primary school education.

However Gypsies do not normally discuss issues of a sexual nature with their children, nor do they want outsiders to.

Visiting

Visitors are expected to show appropriate appreciation and respect for the quality and cleanliness of the interior of caravans.

Outsiders who wish to make contact or work with Gypsy Travellers will have first to establish their credibility and trustworthiness and the sincerity of their motives, if they wish to be accepted.

Where there is a requirement to complete or read reports, illiteracy may be an issue, particularly for those of an older generation. Ascertain their ability to read and if in doubt read any documents through to them.

Death Customs

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Funerals follow a distinct pattern in that after death the body may be laid out formally in the caravan for all to pay their respects. The family may wish to burn the person’s belongings.

It is not uncommon for a site to be vacated after a death. There are rarely problems with post-mortems

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Disability

Below are some definitions provided by The British Council of Organisations of Disabled People.

Disability

‘The loss or limitation of opportunities to take part in the normal life of the community on an equal level with others due to physical or social barriers.’

Impairment

‘Lacking part or all of a limb, or having a defective limb, organ or mechanism of the body resulting in a functional limitation within the individual caused by a physical, sensory or mental impairment.’

Physical impairment - includes sensory and all physical impairments

Mental impairment- includes learning disabilities and mental health conditions

Disabled People

‘Those people with impairments who are disabled by society’

Social Model of Disability

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Acknowledges that individuals have impairments

BUT sees disability as the consequence of barriers created by and in society

The barriers serve to exclude disabled people from society and social activity

Removing the barriers means everyone can participate in society

In comparison, The Medical Model of Disability uses a clinical way of describing an individual’s disability. It compares the development and functioning of a person against the ‘norms’ of non disabled people. The individual is cast as the victim or as a problem. This can result in feelings of rejection and low self esteem which may go on to damage relationships with family members, the wider community and society in general.

Think about how society has described disabled people over the years and, considering the concept of language and discrimination, reflect upon this language and the effect its use may have had upon people with disabilities and the attitude of others towards them.

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You may have thought about terms that were considered insulting in the playground such as spastic and mongol. Additionally, some legislation describes people with additional needs as ‘mental defectives’.

Consider those individuals who have the following impairments:

Mobility impaired (People who use a wheel chair or crutches to get around)Hearing impairedVisually impaired

Then..

Think about your role and the activities associated with it. In which areas would you need to consider special provisions or would be difficult to perform, when coming into contact with a person who has this impairment. With reference to the social model of disability also consider how someone with this impairment may be employed in your current job.

List what simple things can you do and what aids are available for you to assist in communication with a person with this impairment.

Mobility Impairment

Hearing Impairment

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Visual Impairment

Mobility impairment – you may have considered access issues such as ramps and lifts, width of doorways and corridors, height of public enquiry

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counters and provision of suitable toilet facilities. Additionally, if an individual is required to attend the police station, how might they be transported there? As an employee, location of working space, height adjustable office furniture, access to refreshment facilities etc.

Hearing Impairment – you may have considered the extended use of visible signage, hearing loop systems, specialist equipment such as flashing light telephones and text systems. You may also have thought about the use of sign language interpreters, lip reading or the written word to communicate with a person who has a hearing impairment.

Visual Impairment – you may have considered extended use of audible signage. Think about a blind person walking into the enquiry office at a police station – how would they know what to do? Additionally, you may have thought about the availability of forms and documents in a variety of different formats, i.e., large print, audiocassette, Braille etc.

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Declaration of Completion

2 x workbooks completed:

Foster Peoples Equality, Diversity and Rights

Date Completed ____________ Signature __________________

Community Customs and Beliefs

Date Completed ____________ Signature __________________

Please ensure that this work is completed prior to attending your training course, and bring it with you on Day 1.

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Training Staff to Complete

Foster Peoples Equality, Diversity and Rights

Date Checked ________ Trainer ______________________

Signature ____________________

Community Customs and Beliefs

Date Checked ________ Trainer ______________________

Signature ____________________

Notes (if relevant)