Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity

The Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS) explains how people experience and respond to cultural differences. It suggests that individuals move through stages—from ethnocentrism, where one sees one’s own culture as superior, to ethnorelativism, where one understands and appreciates cultural differences. As they develop, people become more open-minded, curious, and adaptable in intercultural interactions. The model helps explain how attitudes towards diversity evolve, promoting more respectful and effective communication across cultures. It’s a useful framework for understanding personal growth in intercultural competence and fostering better cross-cultural understanding.