Description
Mapping Your Socialization
This activity prompts students to create a visual map of their socialization using one aspect of their identity. Students will create a chronology of who, what, where, when, and how they learned about this aspect of their identity.
To better understand how identity and socialization are intertwined, you are encouraged to consult the Cycle of Socialization. Additionally, you may also use your Social Identity Pie from week 1 to choose which part of yourself to examine for this activity. Make it as colorful and creative as you would like!
Step 1: Visual Representation
Create a visual representation of your socialization journey.
Choose a specific social identity you want to explore and reflect upon.
Make a paper or digital timeline map:
Write the social identity you are mapping at the top of the paper.
Draw a line straight across the paper.
Cut the line into four or five equal sections.
Label each section based on age ranges (e.g., 0-5, 6-10, 11-15, 16 to present) or school life stages (e.g., preschool, elementary, middle/junior high, high school, college).
Map your experiences using the cycle of socialization chart as a reference.
Questions that students should answer directly on their timeline map:
What messages or beliefs were you taught about your social identity?
Where did these messages come from? (Parents, family members, teachers, religious organizations, friends, media, society, etc.)
How were these messages reinforced?
Step 2: Reflection
Write a reflective response that addresses the following prompts (200 words):
How did these messages influence your perception of yourself and others?
Reflect on specific behaviors that were encouraged, rewarded, supported, discouraged, unsupported, or punished concerning your social identity
