Culture-sensitive careCultureThe classic definition of culture was proposed by Tylor (1871/1958) and still commonly cited: Culture is “that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals , law, custom, and many other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society” (p. 1). This definition focuses on attributes acquired by growing up or living in a particular society, rather than through biological inheritance (Kottak, 2002). In Giger and Davidhizar's (1991) Model for Transcultural Care, culture was defined as a patterned behavioral response that develops over time as a result of the imprinting of the mind through social and religious structures and intellectual and artistic manifestations. Culture is also the result of acquired mechanisms that may have innate influences but are primarily influenced by internal and external stimuli. This definition better illustrates the social and religious dimensions and identifies that culture is shaped by values, beliefs, norms, and practices learned and transmitted by members of the same cultural group (Leininger, 1991). Leininger (1991) explained in his transcultural care model that culture is focused on the total or holistic ways of life of human beings, religion (spiritual), kinship, political-legal context, education, technology, language, environmental context and worldview are all factors considered. The importance of understanding patient culture was clearly articulated in the work of Giger and Davidhizar (1991). They indicated that culture guides our thinking, actions, and being and becomes shaped expressions of who we are, and that cultural values ​​guide actions and decision-making and facilitate self-esteem and self-worth. Transcul...... half of paper ......ials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice (1998) and The Essentials of Master's Education for Advanced Practice Nursing (1995). Other disciplines have taken similar measures to ensure an adequate level of knowledge and skills about cultural diversity. Elementary and college educators have been urged to respect students' cultural richness and incorporate culturally sensitive curricula (Percival & Black, 2000). The importance of adequate physician knowledge in relation to cultural sensitivity has led to the imposition of legal mandates (Institute for International Research, 2005). In the military, it has been recommended that cultural sensitivity training be added to the basic training curriculum (Holt, 2002). Furthermore, in the business market, cultural training is linked as the key to success (Relations with the territory, 2003).