Identity in Context

 Context mapping is a strategic tactic to gain knowledge on a person's life. In my social work 326 course, we have discussed various ways to interact with clients. Social Workers and Youth Workers can utilize the following activities (below) as well as context mapping as engagement strategies:

       http://socialwork.msu.edu/koehle /docs/AboutEcomaps.pdf        

  http://www.genopro.com/genogram/ 

 During their initial meeting, Mitch noticed how hard it was for Julian to express himself so, he asked him to list the many places and relationships he must face on a daily basis.  He provided four identities:

1. Foreclosed Identity- an individual has committed to a certain way of being without exploring that way of being of trying different alternatives

2. Diffuse Identity-  little to no exploration of an identity therefore no  commitment to one. 

3. Identity Moratorium-  explores different roles and beliefs, but does not make a commitment to one. 

4. Achieved Identity- when the individual is absolutely committed to an identity therefore no identity crisis.


Once Mitch viewed the list, he finally realized what was bothering Julian. Too many people (his parents, friends, and teachers) were co-authoring his story.Which ultimately led him to a state of  confusion. Erickson says, "In the social jungle of human existence there is no feeling of being alive without a sense of identity". If a child/adolescent is not given independence and the freedom to explore different paths as well as adopt their own views, they will never be their own person.

This article really hit home for me. I often try to satisfy others by dismissing my own values, and  beliefs.  But in doing that, I am abandoning my true self. Julian gave up athletics and to focus strictly on academics All to make his parents and teachers proud. Mitch grew up in a poor district and dedicated himself to his studies to make his mother happy. 

But what price do we pay when we change who we are, to make the people in our life proud? A loss of personality!
     Julian went from being a friend, athlete, and student to just being a student. His friendship with Antwon became non-existent and sports became a thing of his past.


                 My Context Map

1. Family
  - Daughter, Sister, Aunt

2. Rhode Island College
- Youth Development, RIC Women's Center Employee

3. Library
 - Volunteer

4.  Preparatory Enrollment Program Student
   - 2012 Alumni