Cultural Differences

Cultural Differences that Pose a Danger to Others
by Mia Elfenbaum

One of the characteristics that defines a profession is the use of a code of ethics. A code of ethics outlines core values or principles that are considered important for a given profession. When a professional is confronted with a difficult situation, the code of ethics should be brought into the decision making process. Traditionally, codes of ethics also included specific rules to follow to guide ethical conduct. These rules of conduct were generated from the core values/principles.

More recently, professional associations recognize that it is not always possible or even advisable to follow one particular rule. In fact, it is likely that in an ethical dilemma, some core values of a code of ethics are in conflict with other core values. The individual professional faced with an ethical decision must consider all the factors that make up the situation. The goal is to do what is least harmful and most beneficial for those involved. This approach is quite different from expecting a code of ethics to provide a rule that dictates a particular response (Ricks and Griffin, 1995).

Dilemma
A family wishes to enrol their school-age child in your centre. The family is of Sikh origin. During your initial conversation, the parent indicates that the child is required to wear his Kirpan (ceremonial sword) throughout the day and that this includes wearing the Kirpan in your centre. The parent assures you that the child has been trained not to take the Kirpan out of its scabbard and that the Kirpan will in fact be tied into the scabbard.

What do you do?
What is your initial reaction? Do you accept this without question or do you have reservations? If so, on what do you base your reservations? Are you concerned about the reactions of the children, the parents, the board, the community or your co-workers at the centre? Do you have a centre policy which addresses this issue? What other information do you need to gather to respond to this situation? Are there, for example, human rights considerations?

When we look at this situation using the Canadian Child Care Federation’s Code of Ethics (based on the Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia Code of Ethics) several of the principles may be conflicting. For example:

• child care practitioners promote the health and well-being of all children
• child care practitioners work in ways that enhance human dignity ...
  if you are afraid that other children might see the sword as encouragement to behave or play aggressively but you recognize your responsibility to respect this individual child's and family's religious practice. OR
• child care practitioners work in partnership with parents, supporting them in meeting their responsibilities to their children could be seen as in conflict with itself since the perspective of the new family is different from the perspectives of the current parents who might be uncomfortable with their children's playmate carrying a weapon.

Because these core principles from the Code of Ethics conflict, there is no easy answer. The way you choose will depend on which value holds primacy for you. As a professional faced with difficult decisions, you are obliged to consider the issues carefully and to collect as much information as possible. Identify all the stakeholders and the issue for each. Brainstorm all possible solutions and consider the potential consequences for each stakeholder.

Work this through. Discuss with other practitioners. Set aside five minutes at a staff meeting or in your classroom. Form an email discussion group. What is your best choice?

Helpful Resources
Ricks, F. & Griffin, S. (1995). Best Choice: Ethical Decision Making in Human Services Practice. Province of British Columbia: Ministry of Skills, Training and Labour.
Canadian Child Care Federation (2000) Partners in Quality: Tools for Practitioners in Child Care Settings. Ottawa: Author.
Manitoba Child Care Association. "Multiculturalism in Child Care Centres Resource Sheets."

Mia Elfenbaum, BA, MSc, is an early childhood consultant who works as a college and university instructor. She is one of the Manitoba Child Care Association's (MCCA) ethics trainers. The MCCA sponsors the contents for this ethics column. The dilemma in this article was adapted from the MCCA’s “Multiculturalism in Child Care Centres Resource Sheets.”

Interaction, Vol. 15, No. 1, Spring 2001, p. 18.