CoachSnowMule33
The purpose of this activity is to re-consider the following:…
The purpose of this activity is to re-consider the following: Is society a “level playing field”? Does everyone have an equal shot at money? Power? Status?
Social scientists argue: there is no level playing field as social inequality exists
Some groups enjoy advantages (privileges) more than others (different levels of socio-economic status)
These groups are more likely to succeed and have wealth, power and status because they are privileged.
In this activity, we are going to learn about status and how we all have all experienced privileges to varying degrees.
Ground Rules:
Be fully present (attentive) and participate at your own comfort level
Push yourself outside of your comfort zone – the most learning happens when we are a little bit uncomfortable.
It’s ok for us all to be at different places with the things we discuss in this activity.
Show respect for one another’s beliefs, values, and experiences.
Respect and maintain privacy.
Listen respectfully, share in the discussion, and encourage others to participate.
Instructions:
1.Before we begin, decide: do you think you have seen many privileges in your life? Do you think you have a high or low socio-economic status?
2.Start with a score of zero. A set of statements will be made.
3.For each statement, give yourself 1 point if the statement is true. If the statement is false, deduct one point. If a statement is not relevant or you do not wish to respond, proceed to the next statement.
4.Higher scores indicate higher privilege/status. Lower scores indicate lower privilege/status. This has implications for our socio-economic statuses.
Statements…
1.If you were taken to art galleries, museums, sporting events or plays by your parents, add one point.
2.If your school was conducted in a language that was not your first language, deduct one point.
3.If there were more than 50 books in your house when you grew up, add one point.
4.If one of your parents was unemployed or laid off, not by choice, deduct one point.
5.If you did not have to have a job to contribute to the family finances, add one point.
6.If you attended private school or summer camp, add one point.
7.If you were raised in a single parent household, deduct one point.
8.If your parents or guardians attended college, add one point.
9.If you were raised in an area where there was crime or drug activity, please deduct one point.
10.If you have ever inherited money or property, add one point.
11.If you ever had to rely primarily on public transportation, deduct one point.
12.If your family ever had to skip a meal because there was not enough money to buy food when you were growing up, please deduct one point.
13.If your family ever had to move because they could not afford to pay the rent or mortgage, please deduct one point.
14.If your family took vacations out of your hometown growing up, add one point.
15.If you were often embarrassed or ashamed of your clothes or house while you were growing up, please deduct one point.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1.If you feel comfortable doing so, please indicate where points were added or deducted for you.
2.Higher scores indicate higher privilege/status. Lower scores indicate lower privilege/status. This has implications for our socio-economic statuses. What was your score? Is your score consistent with your perceived social status at the beginning of this activity?
3.Did anything about this activity surprise you? If so, what?
4.What have you learned from this activity?
5.Has this activity changed your perception of other people or your perception of society?
Share your replies to these 5 questions to the discussion forum
“It is important to recognize that everyone has a unique experience in life. There are some people who have been more privileged than you and some that have been less privileged. By recognizing this fact, we are able to avoid judging others. We can also see what privileges society has given us, and/or what we have overcome to be where we are. It is important to be grateful for the experiences that have been given to us, but to also recognize the societal structures that may have contributed to these. Although it is important not to talk about the specific experiences that were shared outside of this group, talking about what you learned is the key to helping to make a change in society.” Source: Residence life, n.d.
some answers from other children, 1. Where points were added was 1, 5, 10, 14. Where points got deducted were statements 11 and 15.
2. My final score was 1. I would say the score is consistent with how I perceived my social status before starting the activity.
3. The questions surprised me, because I was not expecting these types of questions to be asked. Gave me a better appreciation of what I have and should not take it for granted.
4. I learned that their are people who could have a tougher up bringing then I do and that I should not take what I have for granted. I should always be respectful towards anyone and everyone because you never know what they might have to go through at home.
5. The activity changed my perspective on how others might of been raised and how they grown up. Everyone has their own set of obstacles that they have to go through to get where they are today. Some people have more obstacles then others.
