The Social Identity Wheel is a tool used for exploring your own social identities and how they shape your experiences and interactions with the world.
According to the provided information, the Social Identity Wheel worksheet is an activity that encourages students to identify social identities and reflect on the various ways those identities become visible or more keenly felt at different times. It also prompts reflection on how those identities impact the ways others perceive or treat them.
Understanding the Social Identity Wheel
This tool is typically presented as a diagram, often circular (like a wheel), with different segments representing various categories of social identity. The center might represent the individual, and the outer segments represent the different group affiliations they hold.
Purpose and Benefits
The primary goal of using the Social Identity Wheel is to foster self-awareness and understanding of how identity intersects with power, privilege, and oppression. By engaging with the activity, individuals can:
- Recognize multiple identities: Understand that everyone holds many social identities simultaneously (e.g., gender, race, class, religion, sexual orientation).
- Explore identity visibility: Reflect on which identities are most obvious or assumed by others and which are less apparent.
- Consider situational salience: Think about how different identities might feel more significant or come to the forefront in specific contexts or situations.
- Analyze external impact: Gain insight into how their identities might influence how they are perceived, treated, or the opportunities and challenges they face in society.
How the Activity Works
As a worksheet activity, participants are typically asked to:
- Identify their own position within each social identity category listed on the wheel.
- Reflect on which of these identities are visible or invisible to others.
- Consider which identities feel most important or most keenly felt to them personally.
- Think about how each identity might impact their experiences, including how others perceive or treat them.
This process can lead to deeper personal reflection and a greater understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Common Social Identity Categories
While specific wheels may vary, common categories often included are:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Race | White, Black/African American, Asian, etc. |
| Ethnicity | Hispanic/Latinx, Middle Eastern, European, etc. |
| Gender Identity | Woman, Man, Non-binary, etc. |
| Sexual Orientation | Heterosexual, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Queer, etc. |
| Socioeconomic Status | Working Class, Middle Class, Upper Class, etc. |
| Religion/Spirituality | Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Atheist, etc. |
| Ability (Physical/Mental) | Disabled, Non-disabled |
| Age | Child, Young Adult, Middle-aged, Elder |
| Nationality | U.S., Canadian, Mexican, etc. |
By reflecting on each segment, individuals can begin to see the complex tapestry of identities that make up who they are and how these identities intersect and influence their lived experiences.
