Which term describes intentional exclusion or restriction of a culture?

• A. Cultural destructiveness
• B. Cultural blindness
• C. Cultural sensitivity
• D. Cultural competence

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is how actions toward cultures are categorized on a harm spectrum. Intentional exclusion or restriction of a culture reflects deliberate harm and attempts to erase or diminish cultural presence, which is described as cultural destructiveness. In health care this can show up as policies or practices that punish, suppress, or ignore cultural expressions, language, or beliefs, effectively denying people the right to practice their culture. By comparison, cultural blindness means ignoring cultural differences, cultural sensitivity means recognizing and respecting differences, and cultural competence involves using awareness, knowledge, and skills to work effectively across cultures. Therefore, the term that best fits intentional exclusion or restriction is cultural destructiveness.