Culturally Sustaining Workplaces

Nurturing Diversity in the Workplace

This concept of Culturally Sustaining pedagogy comes from the world of education and typically refers to instructional pedagogy in the classroom. However, education is not limited to classrooms; it extends to the workplace, where employees should constantly be learning and growing.

Culturally responsive pedagogy and culturally sustaining pedagogy are two approaches that can be applied in the workplace to create an inclusive and equitable environment. Although both approaches aim to promote diversity and inclusion, there are key differences between the two.

1. Culturally Responsive Workplaces

Culturally responsive pedagogy in the workplace focuses on recognizing and responding to the cultural backgrounds and experiences of employees. The goal is to create a work environment that values and respects the diversity of employees’ backgrounds, and to use this understanding to inform how work is done. This approach involves using inclusive language and materials, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees, and creating an environment that acknowledges and respects cultural differences.

2. Culturally Sustaining Workplaces

On the other hand, culturally sustaining pedagogy in the workplace goes beyond simply recognizing and responding to cultural differences; it also seeks to sustain and strengthen the cultural identities of employees. The goal is to create a work environment that EMPOWERS employees to bring their cultural identities to work, while also creating opportunities for employees to share and learn from one another. This approach involves incorporating cultural practices and traditions into the workplace, promoting multilingualism, and creating a work environment that supports the cultural heritage of employees.

Consider an Example:

A company using culturally responsive pedagogy might recognize the cultural backgrounds of its employees and provide diversity training to promote inclusivity. In contrast, a company using culturally sustaining pedagogy might promote cultural awareness by creating a diversity committee that empowers employees to share their cultural experiences and practices. The company might also incorporate cultural practices into workplace events and activities, such as celebrating cultural holidays or providing language classes to employees.

Culturally Responsive pedagogy focuses on acknowledging and responding to cultural differences.

Culturally Sustaining pedagogy seeks to create a work environment that supports and empowers cultural identities.