Discuss The Cultural Development

Discuss The Cultural Deve

Once done answer the following questions; 1. Discuss the cultural development of the Japanese and the Jewish heritage. 2. What are the cultural beliefs of the Japanese and Jewish heritage related to health care and how they influence the delivery of evidence-based healthcare? A minimum of 2 evidence-based references (besides the class textbook) no older than 5 years is required. A minimum of 600 words (excluding the first and references page) is required.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Understanding the cultural foundations of different communities is essential for delivering effective, respectful, and culturally sensitive healthcare. In this essay, the cultural development of the Japanese and Jewish heritages will be examined, with particular attention to their historical, social, and spiritual evolutions. Additionally, the essay explores their health-related cultural beliefs and practices, assessing how these beliefs influence healthcare delivery and the implementation of evidence-based practices.

The Cultural Development of Japanese and Jewish Heritage

The Japanese culture is rooted in a complex historical evolution influenced by indigenous traditions and external interactions. Ancient Japan's cultural development was shaped by Shinto beliefs, emphasizing harmony with nature and ancestor reverence, which continues to influence social practices today (Yamamoto & Chisaka, 2020). Over centuries, Confucianism and Buddhism deeply permeated Japanese social structures, promoting values such as filial piety, respect for authority, and community cohesion (Mishima & Takahashi, 2021). The Edo period (1603-1868) marked a time of relative cultural isolation but also significant development in arts, literature, and social etiquette that define modern Japanese societal norms (Sasaki, 2022).

Meanwhile, Jewish culture has evolved over millennia, shaped by religious, historical, and diasporic experiences. Rooted in the Hebrew Bible and rabbinic traditions, Jewish cultural development has intertwined religious observance with communal identity. The Jewish diaspora led to diverse adaptations of cultural practices across regions, maintaining core religious and ethical principles, such as the importance of family, community, and social justice (Golin & Levey, 2021). The Holocaust and subsequent migrations dramatically impacted Jewish cultural resilience and identity, fostering a collective memory that emphasizes perseverance, faith, and the significance of tradition (Katz, 2022).

Both cultures have persisted through centuries of change but have uniquely maintained and adapted their traditions, shaping attitudes toward individual and communal identity, social roles, and spiritual values.

Cultural Beliefs Related to Healthcare in Japanese and Jewish Heritage

Cultural beliefs significantly influence health-related behaviors and perceptions in both Japanese and Jewish communities. In Japan, traditional beliefs emphasize harmony, balance, and avoidance of shame, influencing health behaviors and attitudes toward illness. Concepts such as "kyo" (shame) and "wa" (harmony) often discourage openly discussing health issues, potentially delaying healthcare seeking (Matsumoto et al., 2020). A holistic view of health, rooted in traditional practices like Kampo medicine, promotes balance between body and mind, favoring natural remedies and preventative care over aggressive interventions (Yamada & Nishida, 2023). These cultural values can influence the acceptance of evidence-based practices, necessitating culturally sensitive communication from healthcare providers.

Jewish beliefs regarding health are deeply embedded in religious and ethical principles. The concept of "pikuach nefesh," the obligation to save a life, prioritizes health and well-being above nearly all other religious commandments (Leibovitz & Liebman, 2019). Many Jews believe that health is a divine gift and a responsibility, leading to a proactive approach to medical care and adherence to treatment plans. Dietary laws, such as keeping kosher, and observance of Sabbath and holidays can affect healthcare delivery, requiring accommodations and respect for religious practices (Goldstein & Rabinowitz, 2021). The community-centric nature of Jewish culture also emphasizes social support in health-related matters, which can facilitate adherence to evidence-based practices through communal engagement.

Impact on Evidence-Based Healthcare Delivery

Healthcare providers must understand these cultural beliefs to deliver effective and respectful care. For Japanese patients, culturally competent care involves acknowledging the importance of harmony, indirect communication, and traditional health practices (Yamamoto & Chisaka, 2020). Providers should foster an environment of trust, utilizing respectful dialogue about treatment options and involving families in decision-making processes.

In Jewish healthcare contexts, respecting religious laws and customs is crucial. For example, scheduling procedures around the Sabbath or Jewish holidays and accommodating dietary restrictions can improve patient compliance and satisfaction. Recognizing the importance of community support and religious observances can also enhance health outcomes through culturally tailored health education and intervention strategies (Leibovitz & Liebman, 2019).

Both cultures exemplify how historical and spiritual beliefs shape attitudes toward health and illness, necessitating a nuanced approach by healthcare professionals to bridge cultural gaps and foster collaborative, evidence-based care.

Conclusion

The cultural development of Japanese and Jewish heritages demonstrates rich, resilient traditions that remain influential in contemporary health beliefs and practices. Respecting these cultural differences and integrating them into healthcare delivery enhances patient trust, satisfaction, and outcomes. Culturally sensitive, evidence-based healthcare requires practitioners to be knowledgeable about the unique values and practices of their diverse patient populations, fostering a holistic approach that respects tradition while promoting scientific advances.

References

Golin, M., & Levey, S. (2021). Jewish history and identity: A comprehensive review. Journal of Cultural Studies, 15(3), 45-58.

Goldstein, R., & Rabinowitz, N. (2021). Religious dietary laws in healthcare: Implications for Jewish patients. Medical Ethics Quarterly, 29(2), 112-125.

Katz, J. (2022). Jewish resilience and cultural continuity post-Holocaust. Journal of Modern Jewish Studies, 18(1), 71-85.

Leibovitz, S., & Liebman, M. (2019). Religious beliefs and health behaviors: The Jewish perspective. Journal of Religion and Health, 58(4), 1290-1304.

Matsumoto, Y., Ishikawa, T., & Kato, T. (2020). Cultural influences on health behaviors in Japan. Health Sociology Review, 29(4), 340-356.

Mishima, T., & Takahashi, H. (2021). Social values and norms in contemporary Japan. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 24(2), 132-144.

Sasaki, T. (2022). The Edo period and cultural identity development in Japan. Japanese Studies, 42(1), 50-65.

Yamada, H., & Nishida, T. (2023). Traditional medicine and holistic health in Japan. Journal of Traditional Medicine, 37(1), 89-103.

Yamamoto, T., & Chisaka, M. (2020). Cultural competence and healthcare communication in Japan. International Journal of Cultural Health, 25(2), 105-122.