Problem: Identify what cultural socialization beliefs and practices seem to be in conflict in my chosen scenario and the unconscious bias that may be present. Then, explain what ethical standard in my profession might help support decision-making around the conflict, and why. Finally, describe how i would address the issue depicted in the scenario.
Scenario:
Rose is a preschool teacher for a class of 4-year-olds in a large U.S. city. She enjoys the diversity the city brings to her classroom and respects different perspectives and cultures. However, toward the start of the school year, Rose develops a concern involving a boy named Fung. Fung's mother has been coming to the preschool every day to spoon-feed him his lunch. When asked about the practice, Fung's mother explains that in their Southeast Asian culture, the feeding of children-even when they are old enough to feed themselves-is the way they teach and encourage the concept of interdependence. They want children to know and understand from an early age that each person's health and well-being is inextricably tied to another's. Rose is uncomfortable with this behavior, especially since she and her co-teacher have spent a great deal of time building the children's autonomy and self-confidence performing everyday tasks like eating, using the bathroom, putting on shoes, and washing hands.