Understanding the Dimensions of Difference Paper

Students will select a “dimension of difference” that represents a substantially different life experience than their own. They will explore this dimension of difference in two ways: through a review of the literature and a personal interview.

Pre-Interview Process:

• Select at least one dimension of difference to explore and identify an individual who belongs to that group/those groups to interview.

• Craft an interview protocol to explore that person’s experiences of living with difference. Focus on soliciting the person’s perspectives on the impacts of oppression especially as they may have affected his or her biopsychosocial-spiritual development and visions for both self and the world.

The paper should include the following sections:

• Introduction: Briefly identify the “dimension of difference” you have selected and discuss why you targeted this aspect of the human experience. Why were you drawn to enhance your understanding in this particular area?
• Literature Review: Summarize the scholarly literature on the experiences of this targeted group and/or population in the dominant culture within the United States. Using the course contents (for example the reading entitled “5 Faces of Oppression”) or a framework you have identified during your literature review, identify and analyze the major dynamics and consequences of oppression reflected in the literature. Use a minimum of 8 scholarly (or otherwise approved) sources from the professional literature beyond the class materials.
• Interview & Reflection: Interview an individual who represents your selected “dimension of difference.” In writing up this interview be sure to include:

Papers should be between 6-10 pages long, typed, numbered, and double-spaced. All citations and reference list should follow APA 7th ed. Style guide criteria. The Understanding Dimensions of Difference paper is worth 30% of the final course grade. Papers will be assessed based on the following criteria:

• Comprehensive coverage of all assigned areas
• Organization and logical flow of ideas
• Evidence of ability to identify/apply course concepts reflected in the literature review
• Ability to provide thoughtful reflection about the interviewee’s sharing and your own reactions/responses throughout the interview process
• Correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and use of APA 7 referencing style.

Additional Guide

Here are a few examples on whom you can interview with:

• Race: Interview someone from a different race other than your own. Ask about their beliefs, customs and traditions, and compare them to your own. Also ask how they think they are treated in this country.
• Ethnicity/Culture: Interview someone from a different ethnicity/culture other than your own. Ask about their beliefs, customs and traditions, and compare them to your own. Also ask how they think they are treated in this country.
• Religion: Interview someone from a different religion other than your own. Ask about their beliefs, customs and traditions, and compare them to your own. Also ask how they think they are treated in this country (e.g., Are there religious holidays?)
• Gender/Sexual Orientation: Interview someone whose gender or sexual orientation is different from yours. Ask about their beliefs, customs and traditions, and compare them to your own. Also ask how they think they are treated in this country.
• Disability: Interview someone who has a disability or who has a different type of disability other than your own. Ask about their beliefs, customs and traditions, and compare them to your own. Also ask how they think they are treated in this country.
• Older Adults: Interview an older adult (someone at least aged 65 or older). Ask about what they find positive and negative about growing older from a physical, psychological and/or social perspective. Ask about their beliefs (especially in relation to life, death and acceptance of help), customs and traditions, and compare them to your own. Also ask how they think they are treated in this country.

Also, here are a few examples of questions you may ask your interviewee:

• What are the things you would like me or others to know about the group you identify with (e.g., beliefs, customs, and/or tradition)?
• What are the strengths and challenges of your identified group?
• How has your upbringing as a member of your identified group impacted you and your experiences (e.g., within families, schools, work places, restaurants, etc.)? Or could you describe what your life has been as a member of your identified group?
• What are the things you think professionals in health, human services, and/or education should be aware in order for them to be effectively working with your identified group?