Social and Cultural Diversity Paper Writing Instructions

Overview

The Social and Cultural Diversity Paper (1,750-2,000 words) requires the student to identify and reflect on possible personal biases regarding gender, religion, sexual or gender orientation, race, socioeconomic status, disability status, or culture. The purpose of this paper is to raise the student’s personal and professional level of awareness regarding the subject of diverse populations.

Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines.

Process Schedule

The Social and Cultural Diversity Paper assignment will be accomplished in a five-step process, with individual steps submitted and graded regularly throughout the course, according to the following schedule:

  • Outline
  • References
  • First Draft
  • Final Paper

Content Guidelines

When constructing this paper, use a three-part structure according to the following guidelines:

Part 1

The first part of the paper requires you to identify information from your own personal history. Use the following questions to help guide your reflections:

  • Identify your personal biases and how they may impact your counseling approach. Remember, everyone has biases. The point is not to project them onto your clients.

Note: It is preferred you discuss your cultural biases.   

  • Describe your personal history by documenting experiences with discrimination you may have experienced and how your cultural background impacted these experiences. If you have not had any experiences, share why you believe this to be true.
  • Identify memories of contact with those who were culturally different than you, and your experiences associated with these differences. Be specific.
  • How has your life experience affected how you may relate to persons different than you? Be specific.

*My personal biases are that I have a hard time with women who are passive and submissive in controlling relationships. I am very strong-willed and independent.

*When I was in 3rd grade there was only one African American in my class, who I was actually friends with. She was bullied by my classmates and they would make fun of me for being her friend. I have always been friends with African Americans and my daughters are half black, half white. I have been called horrible names and even looked down on from my own race because I have more black friends than white.