Ethnocentric Monoculturalism

Ethnocentric (valuing of one's ethnic/cultural group over others) monoculturalism (belief in one “right” culture) is an unconscious or conscious overvaluation of one's own cultural beliefs and practices, and simultaneous invalidation of other cultural worldviews. In application, ethnocentric monoculturalism posits the individual's culture as normal and valid. Other cultures are viewed as abnormal, inferior, or pathological, with corresponding differential treatment. Psychology and counseling have a history of being both monocultural and ethnocentric, resulting in limited validity for many psychological theories and practices within the United States. Recognition of ethnocentric monoculturalism is meaningful to psychology and counseling, as multiculturalism not only is required for clinical competency by the ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct guidelines of the American Psychological Association, but is also important to ...