n this assignment, you will create a video that is 6-7 minutes long. You cannot be reading
directly off of a screen, but you are allowed to have notes for reference. The point of the
assignment is not only for you to be able to reflect on your social location and how it impacts
your work, but also to be able to talk about it comfortably (ie. Not reading a script). You should
be preparing before you speak and you may need to record more than once. Think of it as
editing a paper.
Assignment Instructions:
Our identities consist of many complex areas including age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation,
ability, socio-economic status, education, employment, relationship status, etc.
How we identify in each of these areas is called our social location. Our social locations place us
in positions of privilege or disadvantage in society. If we experience privilege, that means we are
closer to power and disadvantage places us further from power.
For this reflection video, you will be reflecting on your social location and how it may impact the
work you do as an SSW.
Step 1: Begin by identifying yourself in the areas of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation,
ability, socio-economic status, education, employment, relationship status, etc. If there are other
areas (not mentioned above) that you would like to include in this reflection, include them. You
do not have to choose every identity or social location. ***Please note: you do NOT have to
identify yourself in any of these areas if you are not comfortable with doing that.***
Step 2: Explore each of these areas and discuss how each of them places you in a position of
privilege or oppression/marginalization in society.
Step 3: Choose 2 areas and explore how they intersect resulting in additional privilege,
oppression or marginalization, or a combination of the two.
Step 4: Finally, reflect on & discuss how your social location may impact your work as a social
service worker, including (but not limited to) the impact on your communication and your
comfort level with discussing the topic of social location, and the privileges and disadvantages
associated with that.
