Critical Issues Concerning Cultural Competence

Abstract

Sue’s contribution concerning cultural competence is reviewed and critiqued. General issues provoked by Sue and found in the emergent discourse on the topic are discussed, including concerns about its operationalization, its purpose, its parameters, issues pertaining to training, and considerations for evaluation. Specific issues related to Sue’s model are highlighted with suggestions for improvement and clarification. The specific issues critiqued include the following strengths: continued leadership in the field, inclusion of social justice, multidimensionality of cultural competence, and the tripartite conception of personal identity. Issues of concern include the lack of a solid rationale for the model, definitional difficulties, the lack of prescription, and limitations based on the race-based group perspective. Suggestions for future scholarship are offered.

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