The purpose of this assignment is to increase awareness of your own cultural background, the significant intersections and socio-cultural differences that emerge in your family of origin and the meaning attributed to these differences. This assignment consists to two parts.
This assignment refers specifically to the following article available in Blackboard:
Hardy, K. V., & Laszloffy, T. A. The cultural genogram: key to training culturally competent family therapists. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 21(3), 227-237.
Instructions:
Create a minimum two generation cultural genogram (e.g., your parents’ generation & your generation) (See Image 1).
Define your ethnic culture of origin (or the major ethnic/racial groups from which you are descended; i.e., Irish, Greek, Haitian, African, Navajo, etc.). Assign colors to delineate these various ethnic groups and indicate the color or combination of colors on each persons’ circle and/or square (like a pie chart!). If relevant indicate when family members immigrated to the US.
Identify and label intersecting identities, or your simultaneous membership and participation in factors including: (1) sexual identity; (2) social class; (3) religious affiliation, spiritual beliefs, atheism, (4) political ideology, (5) ability and/or mental health status, and (6) gender identity. Develop symbols for each of the 6 areas and place next to relevant persons on your cultural genogram.
Your Message should be at least 200 words in length (Maximum 250 words) and address the following questions:
1. Reflect on your cultural genogram.
a. How would you describe your cultural identity? Which intersecting identities are most central to who you consider yourself culturally?
b. Are their cultural aspects you feel pride about? Explain. Are their aspects you feel shame about? Describe.
c. Describe any thoughts and/or feelings that emerged from participating in this exercise.
