Write a 3-5 page paper exploring your various identities, including race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, social class, ability status, and age.
The following notes are taken from Diane J. Goodman and FULLY apply to this assignment.
Self-exploration is central to our growth as individuals, our relationships with others, and our ability to promote equity. Our various social identities–sex, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, age, socioeconomic class, religion, and ability, among others–are important aspects of our selves that shape our attitudes, behaviors, worldviews, and experiences. As we work to create more diverse and inclusive environments, we need to understand how our own and others’ identities and related social locations affect our lives and our interactions with each other.
Most of us have identities that are part of both privileged groups (for example, male, white, heterosexual, middle or upper class) and oppressed groups (female, person of color, gay, poor or working class). Current theory and research focuses particularly on the intersectionality of our multiple social identities, which simultaneously interact within different contexts of societal inequality. While it is critical to understand the complexity of our whole selves, it can be useful to focus on individual aspects of identity as we develop greater awareness of our social positions.
While self-exploration can be difficult, exploring a privileged identity can be particularly hard for many people. We may encounter resistance when asking ourselves to undertake this kind of self-examination. Here are some thoughts to remember as you complete this assignment:
All identities are affirmed here.
Differences matter.
All people have privileges whether or not we recognize or want them.
Oppression has a systemic nature.
Systems of oppression ultimately hurt everyone.
Headings:
Introduction
Summary of My Identities and Where I Come From (My Family of Origin)
My Current Intersectional Identity (Who I Am Today)
My Privileged Identities
My Oppressed Identities
Looking to the Future: The Use of My Identities in Social Work Practice
Please cite all sources and utilize APA for this assignment.