Upon completion of  these chapters, the reader will understand:

• the basic history, values, traditions, and beliefs of cultural groups that influence society in the United States
  
  
• the influence of culture on views of family, child rearing, schooling, health and healing, death and dying, and disability
  
  
• how to use the knowledge provided to form a base for respectful interaction with families whose values, beliefs, and behaviors may differ from one’s own