This week I chose to use sociograms and culturagrams. What is a sociogram? It is a graphic dipiction of the relations between members of a group, family or social unit; where each member is depicted by a symbol and the relationships are represented by arrows (Pam, nd.). Understanding group structure is important in studying group dynamics. When you can understand group dynamics you stand a better chance of the providing meaningful help/direction to clients. When I used this instrument for my family (mom, brothers and sisters) I noticed that my siblings and I are involved in each other’s lives and all seek a relationship with our mom. Unfortunately, ever since my dad’s death it seems that she has no interest in maintaining her relationship…show more content… A culturagram is an instrument used to assess a client’s cultural backgrounds (Culturagrams-Social Work, n.d.). Why is important to understand a client’s background? It gives us a better understanding of how their unique culture affects and empowers them. I felt like this was insightful for my immediate family unit. I realized that I have not fully embraced my heritage. I am Mexican however, since I am adopted I don’t really speak Spanish nor do I cook traditional Hispanic food, we do on occasion celebrate Cinco de Mayo. My partner is from a polish family and he does not have or follow any customs or celebrate and holidays of polish customs. A goal and a desire I have from the exercise would be to dig into my heritage so that my children can experience what I did as a child before I was adopted.
I found that I really liked the genogram. I not only wanted to learn more about my adopted family but have since started reaching out to biological family members to learn about my extended family. I also liked the culturagram because I felt like it ties directly to the genogram. I wanted to learn about where my biological family is from and their story. I really feel like these assignments woke up the desire to really find out more about my family
