Part I. Theoretical basis of using different approaches for developing socio-cultural competence of the 8-grade learners

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PART I. Theoretical basis of using different approaches for 
developing socio-cultural competence of the 8-grade learners 
1.1 Productiveness of utilizing different approaches for developing 
socio-cultural competence 
Cultural competence is the ability of a person to effectively interact, work, 
and develop meaningful relationships with people of various cultural backgrounds. 
Cultural background can include the beliefs, customs, and behaviors of people from 
various groups. Gaining cultural competence is a lifelong process of increasing self-
awareness, developing social skills and behaviors around diversity, and gaining the 
ability to advocate for others. It goes beyond tolerance, which implies that one is 
simply willing to overlook differences. Instead, it includes recognizing and 
respecting diversity through our words and actions in all contexts. 
Why Is Cultural Competence Important? 
Demographic shifts and an increasingly diverse population 
Although we have always lived in an ethnically diverse society, we are all 
operating in an increasingly culturally diverse environment where we need to be able 
to interact, communicate, build relationships, and work effectively with people from 
diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Moreover, those of us working with youth 
need to prepare them to operate in a society that will be even more diverse in terms 
of religion, ethnic background, and sexual orientation.
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Societies are increasingly becoming globalized 
Today’s world is diverse and global. Technology has made interactions across 
cultures around the world a very common experience. Social networking sites, blogs, 
and chat rooms are letting people regularly interact across national borders. Many 
industries currently have a significant amount of international collaboration, and 
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Dovidio, J. F., Gaertner, S. E., Kawakami, K., & Hodson, G. (2002). “Why 
can’t we just get along? Interpersonal biases and interracial distrust”. Cultural 
Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology 8 (2): 88–102. 

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careers in many fields increasingly entail working with people from different 
countries, both directly and indirectly. Children and youth today need to be prepared 
to enter a workforce and adult society that spans across borders and involves 
interacting with people of diverse backgrounds in myriad settings. 
Recognizing our increasingly globalized society, many industries and 
professional organizations (e.g., National Education Association, RAND 
Corporation) are emphasizing the importance of cultural competence and related 
skills (e.g., global awareness) as essential in today’s workplace. Numerous 
universities are also incorporating cultural awareness and development as part of the 
higher education experience and career preparation by creating opportunities for 
students to participate in international experiences. Successfully navigating our 
globalized society entails being able to understand and appreciate diversity in its 
many forms, and to effectively engage and communicate with people from different 
cultures.