Selection of Diversity Factors

INTEGRATED WRITING ASSIGNMENT

Integrated Writing Assignment

Selection of Diversity Factors

There are a wide range of diversity factors that are relevant in today’s contemporary society. These are inclusive of, but they are not limited to; age, sexual orientation, gender, religion/spirituality, ability status, socialeconomic status, ethnicity, and race. From the onset, it would be prudent to note that the diversity factors that happen to be most relevant to my identity are; religion/spirituality, gender, as well as sexual orientation.

Self-Reflection

a) Religion/Spirituality

Religion and spirituality happens to be a core aspect of the human experience. In my case, I embrace spirituality as a connection between self and a Creator. I am of the opinion that since we originate from the same Creator, there exists no need to have many religious denominations. For this reason, I do not consider myself a member of any religious following. I believe we are born with an innate ability to distinguish between right and wrong and that our engagements with others (and our inner self) ought to be founded upon this innate instinct.

I consider myself marginalized in this perspective because by and large, the society congregates around certain established religions and belief systems. These are inclusive of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, etc.

I was brought up in a strictly Christian household. I largely agree with the basic Christian tenets of distinction between good and bad. However, I disagree with the notion that our engagements with the Creator (our Father) should be mediated by any individual or entity.

To a large extent, my belief system permits me to consider other human beings as brothers and sisters regardless of the faith or doctrine they ascribe to. On the other hand, on key limitation is that I might in some instances be critical of those who appear to be held hostage by certain doctrines to the extent that their perception of reality becomes blurred.

I am of the opinion that my experiences will be of great relevance in as far as cross cultural interactions with future clients is concerned owing to the fact that my engagements with others is not likely to be impacted by differences in religious doctrine or creed.

b) Sexual Orientation

In as far as sexual orientation is concerned, I happen to be in favor of heterosexual relations. My perspective is on this front rooted upon a commonsense approach to creation. I am of the opinion that by design, sexual engagement should be for purposes of procreation. Thus, any deviation from this supreme purpose would be contrary to the intention of the Creator.

In as far as this diversity dimension is concerned, I consider myself privileged. This is more so the case given that in this day and age, same-sex engagements are still frowned upon in certain societal settings.

I was brought up knowing that any sexual engagements ought to be between men and women. I still subscribe to this point of view.

One strength related to this particular identity aspect is that it aligned with a rational approach to life. Further, it happens to be also connected to my spiritual perspectives (i.e. with regard to the innate ability to distinguish between that which is wrong or right). However, one specific limitation is that this identity aspect does nothing to adverse divergent perspectives.

There is the possibility that my interactions, for instance, with same-sex couples could be negatively impacted by my experiences and/or viewpoints.

c) Gender

I was born female. I have two siblings – all male.

Although significant progress has been made over the last few decades with regard to the advancement of women rights, there is still more to be done on this front – especially in relation to breaching the glass ceiling. Thus, as a woman, I consider myself marginalized.

I was cultured around the belief that women are as good as men, and that whatever progress men can make in various aspects of life can be replicated by women. I was, thus, brought up knowing that women are not the weaker sex. I still subscribe to this point of view. However, I am also convinced that men and women should complement each other in as far familial roles are concerned.

My perspective would likely result in enhanced teamwork capabilities due to the belief that all team members are capable regardless of gender differences. I do not perceive any weakness on this front.

My viewpoints as well as experiences in this case are likely to further enhance my ability to forge meaningful relationships with clients. This is especially the case given that I am more likely to reinforce their beliefs in self.

Discussion: Intersectionality Theory and Identity Development Theory

It is important to note that to a large extent, the discrimination and/or oppression that persons identifying as the minority face is not firmly rooted upon a single aspect of their identity. For instance, all the aspects of identity I have highlighted above, i.e. sexual orientation, gender, as well as religion/spirituality, are likely to overlap to inform my experiences. Thus, oppression or discrimination is likely to come from multiple identity markers, i.e. sexual orientation and gender, or religious beliefs and gender, etc. What this tells me, for instance, is that to better understand the prejudices that various individuals face in the contemporary society, there may be need to familiarize oneself with their overlapping identities.

I am also of the opinion that certain viewpoints, in relation to diverse aspects of my identity, have been shaped in my adult life. This assertion aligns with Jeffrey Arnett’s Theory on Identity Formation in Emerging Adulthood. For instance, although I was brought up in a Christian household, my spiritual perspectives later on came to be shaped by exposure to diverse worldviews that I encountered in adulthood.

Culturally Competent Practice