My Social Identity

Everyone identifies differently, and how we identify is primarily influenced by our social environment. We all belong to 1 or more social groups, which help reinforce our identity. I believe that we choose our social groups, and with age, we will come to find ourselves identifying with many different groups. It is very important to understand that some groups will have greater influence than others. As much as I believe that our identities are the result of our group choices, I also think that society imposes what groups we are categorized in, based on race, class and gender. Ultimately, our social identity is related to the similarities we hold with other people and our relationship to them. So, it is important to be apart of a group, because it allows us to create meaning in the world. I identify with several groups, and each group holds a different meaning to my overall personal identification. The groups I will mention are in no …show more content…
It is important for me to understand that I will be working with people from different walks of life, who also identify differently from myself. My social identities can affect my social work practice in many ways. My spirituality can pose difficulties if I do not practice competence, because I can have a client who is strictly against my spiritual beliefs. I can potentially tarnish my relationship with my client if I try to impose my ideas on them. It is important that I am sensitive to everyone I meet and hold a neutral position. As a Latino, I also believe that I can face clients who might be on the prejudice side and find me incompetent because of my race. Since I closely identify with family, I can use what I have learned regarding love and compassion to positively affect my relationships with clients. The same can go with my vocal affiliation, I can sew music and expression into the fabric of my practice in order to empower