Cross-cultural competence is defined as a set of attitudes, knowledge, and practices that enable individuals and institutions to function effectively in cross-cultural situations. Used extensively in corporations, health care, social services, and counseling, the term is often used interchangeably with cultural proficiency, multicultural competence, and cultural or intercultural effectiveness. Cross-cultural competence is necessary for students and educators to function effectively in our increasingly diverse and globalized society. This entry describes how cross-cultural competence has been defined and conceptualized, then applies the concept to educational settings.

In the United States, inequalities persist between the social, educational, and health care services received by Whites and people of color. Children from African American and Latino family backgrounds are overrepresented in the social services system and overidentified as having emotional ...