The Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS) is a framework that describes how people experience and engage cultural difference, ranging from ethnocentric views to ethnorelative ones. Created by Dr. Milton Bennett (1986, 1993, 2004, 2013), the DMIS outlines a continuum of six stages, illustrating the journey individuals take in developing greater awareness and competence in interacting across cultures.
The model posits that as individuals move through these stages, their ability to understand and adapt to cultural differences increases. Progress through the stages is generally sequential, building upon the perspectives gained in previous stages.
The Stages of DMIS
The DMIS is divided into two main orientations: Ethnocentric and Ethnorelative.
- Ethnocentric Orientation: In these stages, an individual's own culture is experienced as central to reality. Differences are often seen as negative or non-existent.
- Ethnorelative Orientation: In these stages, one's own culture is experienced in the context of other cultures. Cultural difference is perceived and understood as complex and valuable.
Here is a breakdown of the six stages:
| Orientation | Stage | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ethnocentric | Denial | Does not recognize cultural differences or avoids them. |
| Defense | Recognizes differences but sees them as threatening; views own culture as superior. | |
| Minimization | Acknowledges superficial differences but emphasizes human commonality over cultural specifics. | |
| Ethnorelative | Acceptance | Recognizes and values cultural differences without judgment. |
| Adaptation | Develops skills to interact effectively in other cultures; can shift perspective. | |
| Integration | Moves easily between multiple cultural frames of reference; may develop a multicultural identity. |
Ethnocentric Stages
These stages represent perspectives where one's own culture is the primary lens through which all other cultures are judged or ignored.
Denial
Individuals in the Denial stage typically do not see cultural differences or may actively avoid engaging with them. They might believe that cultural differences are irrelevant or that people are fundamentally the same everywhere, often based on limited experience with other cultures.
- Characteristics: Disinterest in cultural issues, use of broad stereotypes, lack of terms to describe cultural variability.
- Example: Someone insisting that people from another country are "just like us" despite obvious linguistic or behavioral differences.
Defense
The Defense stage acknowledges cultural differences but evaluates them negatively. One's own culture is seen as superior, while other cultures are viewed as inferior, problematic, or threatening. This stage can manifest as either denigration of other cultures or glorification of one's own.
- Characteristics: Overt criticism of other cultures, "us vs. them" mentality, active protection of one's own cultural identity.
- Example: Believing that customs from another country are "weird" or "wrong" compared to one's own traditions.
Minimization
In the Minimization stage, individuals downplay the significance of cultural differences, focusing on shared human characteristics or universal values. While a step away from ethnocentrism, it still masks deeper cultural variations and can lead to misunderstandings by assuming common ground that doesn't exist.
- Characteristics: Emphasis on "we are all human," focus on biological similarities, use of universalist frameworks (e.g., certain values are universally held).
- Example: Stating that regardless of culture, "everyone wants the same things out of life," overlooking diverse cultural motivations or priorities.
Ethnorelative Stages
These stages reflect perspectives where an individual's own culture is seen relative to other cultures, allowing for a more nuanced and appreciative understanding of difference.
Acceptance
Individuals in the Acceptance stage recognize and value cultural differences as legitimate and complex. They understand that people from different cultures have different, yet equally valid, worldviews and behaviors. This involves curiosity and respect towards cultural diversity.
- Characteristics: Appreciation of cultural variability, active seeking of information about other cultures, use of cultural categories to understand behavior.
- Example: Being genuinely interested in learning about the history and reasons behind a particular cultural tradition different from one's own.
Adaptation
The Adaptation stage involves developing the ability to shift one's perspective and behavior to function effectively in a different cultural context. This goes beyond merely accepting differences; it involves learning to operate within another cultural framework and communicate in culturally appropriate ways.
- Characteristics: Empathy, ability to take the perspective of another culture, behavioral code-shifting, development of intercultural competence skills.
- Example: Learning to adjust communication style (e.g., directness, use of silence) when interacting with colleagues from a culture with different norms.
Integration
In the Integration stage, individuals can move fluidly between different cultural frames of reference. They may develop a multicultural identity, feeling comfortable in multiple cultures and acting as cultural bridges. This stage involves experiencing reality from more than one cultural perspective simultaneously.
- Characteristics: Bicultural or multicultural identity, mediating cultural differences, ability to evaluate situations from multiple cultural viewpoints.
- Example: Feeling equally at home and capable of navigating social situations in both their passport culture and another culture they have lived in extensively.
Practical Insights and Application
The DMIS is widely used in intercultural training and education to help individuals:
- Assess their current orientation: Understand where they currently stand on the continuum.
- Identify areas for growth: Recognize the next steps needed to develop greater intercultural sensitivity.
- Develop strategies: Learn specific skills and approaches to move towards more ethnorelative stages.
- Improve communication: Enhance their ability to interact more effectively and appropriately across cultural boundaries.
Understanding the DMIS provides a roadmap for developing intercultural competence, which is increasingly crucial in a globalized world.
