Disrupting normalised discourses: ways of knowing, being and doing cultural competence

Abstract The concept of cultural competence is a multifaceted construct that requires careful consideration as it raises questions as to whose ‘truth’ is being advocated. This paper draws on findings from a qualitative study which used an indigenous methodology of yarning to investigate early child...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Karen Sinclair
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit, The University of Queensland 2019-02-01
Series:The Australian Journal of Indigenous Education
Subjects:
Online Access:https://ajie.atsis.uq.edu.au/ajie/article/view/296
Description
Summary:Abstract The concept of cultural competence is a multifaceted construct that requires careful consideration as it raises questions as to whose ‘truth’ is being advocated. This paper draws on findings from a qualitative study which used an indigenous methodology of yarning to investigate early childhood educators’ understandings and perspectives of cultural competence. Adopting a poststructuralist approach to grounded theory, data were analysed to identify themes that reflected educators’ understandings and perspectives. This paper presents a snapshot of these themes along with a framework of positioning self in relationship to ways of knowing, being and doing cultural competence. I conclude by suggesting that this framework can provide opportunity for educators to disrupt normalised discourses and re-conceptualise cultural competence.
ISSN:2049-7784