Step 1: Visual Representation

Create a visual representation of your socialization journey.

• Choose a specific social identity you want to explore and reflect upon. 
• Make a paper or digital timeline map:
  • Write the social identity you are mapping at the top of the paper.  
  • Draw a line straight across the paper.  
  • Cut the line into four or five equal sections.  
  • Label each section based on age ranges (e.g., 0-5, 6-10, 11-15, 16 to present) or school life stages (e.g., preschool, elementary, middle/junior high, high school, college). 
• Map your experiences using the cycle of socialization chart as a reference.  

Questions that students should answer directly on their timeline map:

• What messages or beliefs were you taught about your social identity? 
• Where did these messages come from? (Parents, family members, teachers, religious organizations, friends, media, society, etc.) 
• How were these messages reinforced?

Step 2:  Reflection

Write a reflective response that addresses the following prompts (200 words): 

• How did these messages influence your perception of yourself and others? 
• Reflect on specific behaviors that were encouraged, rewarded, supported, discouraged, unsupported, or punished concerning your social identity.