Identity Wheel
The Social Identity Wheel is an evolving tool to help us better map out the different dimensions of our social identities. The wheel allows us to better understand how our identities shape experiences across all dimensions. Social identity refers to the aspects of someone that are formed in relation to the society they belong to. Rather than personality traits or interests that make up your identity and sense of self, social identities describe the socially constructed groups that are present in specific environments within human societies (race/gender/religion, sexual orientation, etc.).
Social identities influence how individuals perceive themselves, how they perceive others, and how they interact with the world. They can impact access to resources, opportunities and social power, contributing to a person’s unique perspectives. Understanding your social identities and they ways they are experienced and expressed in different settings can provide valuable insight for how you design your personal and professional aspirations.
On the following page you will find a social identity wheel and a page of examples to help you complete the wheel.
As you review the wheel, take the following steps:
- Take a moment to look over the wheel and notice the layers of Core/Internal and Scondary/External categories.
- Now you will identify the memberships you claim or have been ascribed to you for each identity group. You’ll want to start with the Core/Internal Dimensions and then work your way outward.
- The last page has examples of each identity group. Please not ethat many identities may overlap or intersect. If you do not see a term that you would use to describe yourself please use whatever term you prefer.
- You will notice a blank in each layer of the wheel. You can use this psace to write an identity that is not represented in the categories presented.
- Once you have filled in the wheel, gain greater insight by responding to the reflection questions. You can do this activity alone, but your learning can be amplified by sharing with others. We encourage you to discuss the wheel with your trusted loved ones and peers.