Collusion in cultural competency work is defined as cooperation with others, knowingly or unknowingly to reinforce stereotypical attitudes, prevailing behaviors and norms.

Collusion is common because of the way we are socialized as children.  We all had to modify our behavior to “fit in” to expectations of parents, teachers, friends, and society. We become accustomed to ignoring our true opinions and needs as a way of increasing our sense of belonging and reducing the risk of being an “outsider.”  There are three types of collusion:

• Silence ~ The most common form.  By saying nothing when people tell jokes, exclude others, or exhibit inappropriate behavior, we reinforce the “status quo”.
• Denial ~ The active stance or viewpoint that there is no such thing as inequality.  People who participate in collusion by denial are either avoiding the idea that inequality exists or they feel they have something to lose by acknowledging it.
• Active Cooperation ~ Takes several forms, some which can be very subtle.  Laughing at inappropriate jokes or agreeing a staff member got a promotion because a quota had to be filled is active cooperation.

Questions for Reflection:

1. How do you respond when you hear these comments or see these behaviors? What is the result?
2. What is the most difficult part of responding when you hear or see these comments or behaviors?
3. What can you do to deal with these stereotypical attitudes and prejudicial behaviors when directed at other staff members? Or a patient/client?
4. What are the consequences of doing nothing? What can you personally do to ensure that something is done to improve the situation?

Possible Strategies to Avoid Collusion:

• Ask people to explain what they are thinking
• Be subtle; change conversation
• Acknowledge how we feel; e.g., frustrated
• Be empathetic to situation
• Joke
• Seek out information
• Give alternatives
• Empathize
• Say that someone in your family represents that group
• Ask if you are you happy you said that?
• Respond with, “Gee, he talks so highly of you”
• Seek out more information from confidant.
• Give contradictory information of stereotype
• Remember: “What comes out of your mouth comes out of your heart”

Have more suggestions write to intercambios@zianet.com and we will add them on!