Cultural competence: A form of stereotype rationality

Abstract

Increased diversity within a society inevitably increases interactions between people of different cultural backgrounds. In this chapter, we contend that arguments calling for increased cultural competence are synonymous with calls for increased accuracy in social perception. Evidence that individuals are more accurate in their beliefs about other groups than social psychology has typically given them credit for is reviewed and how to judiciously apply this knowledge is discussed. Potential obstacles to increased cultural competence are also identified, such as intergroup conflict, particularly in the political domain. We conclude with recommendations for promoting cultural competence by encouraging a sensitivity to group and individual differences.