It can be uncomfortable to realize that you have come either from a place of oppression or privilege.

Individuals seldom use these terms to describe themselves or others. However, oppression and privilege impact every aspect of people's lives.

As you consider your own place in society, consider your emotional attachment to where you see yourself within these social constructs.

Consider the assumptions made about you based on how you look, the clothes you wear, or the car you drive.

Consider how the social construction of gender and race can impact your work as a social worker.

A 3- to 4-page journal entry in which you analyze your reactions to the social construction of power, racial, and gender characteristics.

Explain how race and gender interact with privilege and oppression. Identify and analyze which characteristics of oppressed or privileged individuals with which you identify.

References:

Adams, M., Blumenfeld, W. J., Castaneda, C., Hackman, H. W., Peters, M. L., & Zuniga, X. (Eds.). (2013). Readings for diversity and social justice. (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge Press.

Race to use: Black/ African American

Gender: Female