PPP

Cultural Considerations & Suggestions

Presented by : Anna Cheung Chinese Community Response to Family Violence

CHINESE COMMUNITY

Chinese are a very diverse ethnic group56 ethnic groups in China5 biggest ethnic groups : Han,

Manchurian(N.E.), Mongolian(N.W.), Muslim(W), Tibetan(W)

Overseas Chinese from all over the world e.g Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore,

America, EuropeEach subgroup has their own dialect, cultural

norms & values

CHINESE ETHNIC GROUPS

MAP OF CHINA & AREAS

CHINESE COMMUNITY

Calgary’s Chinese community is the 4th largest in Canada

2006 - 75,410 ethnic Chinese in Calgary (6%) 45,305 ethnic Chinese in Edmonton (6%) 120,270 ethnic Chinese in Alberta (3.7%) largest visible minority in Alberta (26.5%) 2nd largest visible minority in Canada (3.9%)

2006 Census : 1/4 Canadian born, rest were immigrants and almost half arriving after 1991

Early settlers – Toishan, Guangtong (Toishanese)After 1991 – Hong Kong (Cantonese)Recent immigrants – China (Mandarin)

CHINESE COMMUNITY

Chinese Spoken Language : 1/5 of world’ s populationMandarin: official language of Peoples’

Republic of China, Taiwan, Singapore

Dialects : Cantonese, Toishanese, Shanghainese, Hakka, Hokkien, Fujianese etc.

CHINESE WRITTEN LANGUAGE

Traditional 萬 護 Simplified 万 护

CHINESE CULTURAL VALUES

Confucius (551 – 479 B.C.) Philosopher, politician, teacherHis theory on “Wu Lun”: the “Five Cardinal

Human Relationships” stress on social order & harmonious relationships

1. ruler – subject 2. father – son3. elder brother – younger brother4. husband – wife5. older friends – younger friends

CHINESE CULTURAL VALUES

Chinese self – relational beingStatus & authority is based on: Generation Age

Gender Order/rank Blood ties (clan and kinship)

CHINESE MAINSTREAM

Extended familyCollectivism Family honourPreserve

harmony/avoid conflict

Foster dependence

Nuclear familyIndividualismIndividual needsAcknowledge

conflict/find resolution

independence

COMPARISON

CULTURAL DYNAMICS

What are the underlying cultural dynamics “traditional perspectives”

Chinese selfWomen’s role & obligation- “The Three Obediences”Pour out waterTraditional Chinese women – “instigator mentality”Face issue & role reversalIn law conflictFamily matters are private mattersNot to meddle into other people’s businessParent child relationship

CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS & SUGGESTIONS

Questions to Ponder in interaction with Chinese Clients:

Have you addressed your clients’ linguistic and cultural needs?

Have you addressed your clients’ cultural concerns about the issue of shame, guilt, confidentiality, protecting the family name and face, difficulty in exposing family weakness to outsiders

In working with immigrants: are you familiar with the acculturation process? Do you understand the stressors associated with drastic role changes?

CULUTRAL CONSIDERATIONS & SUGGESTIONS

Are you familiar with the power & control wheel specific to immigrant women?

Are you aware of the barriers?In making assessments, have you enquired

into: in-law conflicts, somatic problems and complaints such as insomnia, headaches and G.I. problems

Have you provided relevant information so that your clients are more knowledgeable and resourceful in managing their situations

Have you linked clients to community resources?

CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS & SUGGESTIONS

Crisis in Chinese is “ 危機” “ Wei Ji” meaning confronting danger but there is also an opportunity for change – reframe

Acknowledge the victims feelings of guilt, shame and loss of face in seeking help

Reframe victims help seeking behaviours as positive actions – i.e. benefits to the whole family

Face-sensitive interventions with Chinese male abusers i.e talk about masculine gender role stress, barriers as immigrants. Raise awareness of their face needs, and events that lead to a loss of face

CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS & SUGGESTIONS

Aware of indirect communication - superficially agree with service provider

Fatalism – a common intellectualization & defense

Make good use of “destiny” to assist clients to reframe & turn the situation around. e.g. Clients’ abusive relationship may be destined to end

Be flexible as the role of counsellor may be one of teacher, counsellor, trusted family member, advocate, liaison to other service providers or liaison to entitlement programs

CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS & SUGGESTIONS

Be flexible in appointment hours as Chinese put high priority towards job

Be an “expert problem solver” – Chinese clients appreciate advice & suggestions

Focus on visible, behavioural changes e.g. improve functioning at school, at work & at home

Appear “loud” i.e. shouting at each otherTendency not to express emotions i.e. flat yet

will explode pent up anger e.g. child intervention

CONTACT INFORMATION

Anna Cheung, MSW RSW CSWProject Co-ordinator/Cultural Advocate Supervisor

Telephone: 403-261-7956Mobile: 403-991-3255Email address: anna.cheung@ccrfv.caWebsite: www.ccrfv.ca