Cultural Genogram Assignment

Cultural Genogram Assignment

Focusing on three generations of your family of origin (yours, your parents, and your grandparents), develop a genogram that focuses on your cultural identity. If you do not have information about your family of origin, you may use individuals you consider to be your support system/extended family. Begin by listing two or three dimensions of your cultural identity (e.g., Latino, male, university-educated). Write down a list of all members of your family at each of the three generational levels, including those that have passed away. Develop a hierarchical chart that includes notations for how key individuals shaped your cultural identity along the three pre-identified dimensions. Be sure to include notations regarding strengths and challenges associated with your current approach to your cultural identity. You will need to create a legend that explains the symbols and lines in your genogram. Read the Shellenberger, et al. article for information on how to create a genogram and examples. In the 3-4 page summary of your genogram, answer the following questions:

1. What stories were told in your family that reflect your family’s values or core beliefs related to power, oppres­sion, privilege, multicultural issues, or reference group identities?

2. In constructing this cultural genogram, what reactions (emotional and cognitive) have you had, and what new learning have you gained? How has this affected your personal and professional identity?

3. How does this new self-awareness affect how you see students, clients or think about families?

4. How do social and cultural factors relate to assessment and evaluation of students/clients/colleagues?