Bennett's Model

Bennett's Model of intercultural sensitivity describes how people experience and respond to cultural differences. It outlines a continuum with stages ranging from viewing cultural differences as threatening or offensive (denial, defense) to recognizing and appreciating diverse perspectives (acceptance, adaptation, integration). As individuals develop, they become more comfortable and skilled in understanding and engaging with other cultures, moving from ethnocentric views to ethnorelative understanding. This model helps explain how attitudes toward cultural differences evolve, promoting greater intercultural competence and effective cross-cultural interactions.