16 Aug Reflect on own racial/ethnic cultural identity and intersectionality (race, class, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, age, religion/spirituality). Format: minimum

Learning Objectives:

1. Students will explore the formation of their own racial/cultural identities.

2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of prejudice and privilege.

3. Students will reflect on their personal values in relation to NASW Standards for Cultural Competence.

4. Students will demonstrate effective written expression through clear and proper presentation of ideas.

Paper Content and Format:

Requirements minimum 8 double-spaced pages, Times New Roman 12-point font with 1-inch margins. Paper format and references should follow APA format. Paper must contain at least  5 sources from the peer-reviewed literature.  Use Google Scholar to locate articles

I. Exploration of Cultural Identity Formation

II. Impact of Prejudice and Privilege

III. My Cultural Competence

IV. My Plan to Increase Culture Competence

We bring our background, personal worldview and values to the social work profession. This assignment is designed to help students explore their own racial/cultural identity formations. Reflect on own racial/ethnic cultural identity and intersectionality (race, class, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, age, religion/spirituality).

Exploration of Cultural Identity Formation

1. Describe your racial/ethnic and cultural background (race, class, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion and belief systems), include intersecting identities/oppressions and explain how your formed your cultural identity. 

2. What are your multiple identities and where do they intersect?

3. Are there identities you wear at different times due to comfort, safety, etc.?

4. What are the sources of cohesion, strength, stress, discord and strife that are evident as the result of your multiple identities?

5. Do you see yourself and your multiple identities mirrored in literature and in the media? Is it accurate or inaccurate and what is that like for you?

6. What did you learn about race from your family when you were little? How does that message affect you now?

7. Within your home, were there implicit or explicit rules of behavior for your gender, age etc.? How has this impacted how you present yourself? How has it impacted your worldview around these identities?

8. What impact do your identities have on your communication and understanding of how you might work with people of other identities? In other words, how will your identities get in the way of your work with your client(s)?

Impact of Discrimination, Prejudice and Privilege

1. How do you think your multiple identities will impact your social work practice?

2. Describe a past instance of discrimination, privilege and/or prejudice (racism, classism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, ableism, ageism etc.), which occurred at school or work. How did you feel about it then and how do you feel about it now?

3. How can you use this experience for future social work practice?

My Cultural Competence

1. Reflect on the process of writing this paper – what areas were most challenging to write about?

2. What were your “triggers”? Did you feel defensive?

3. Did you feel yourself pushback against certain themes and narratives?

4. How did you push through with your writing?

My Plan to Increase Culture Competence

1. Using examples from classroom activities and course readings, evaluate your cultural competence and list any areas for improvement.  

2. What is your plan for improvement?