The Privilege Walk Exercise

A "privilege walk" is designed to provide an opportunity for participants to understand the intricacies of privilege and to explore the ways that we enjoy privileges based on being members of social identity groups in the United States. This version, posted on the University of Houston website, it intended for college students.  Please note that this exercise is not meant to make anyone feel guilty or ashamed of her or his privilege or lack of privilege related to any social identity categories. Rather, the exercise seeks to highlight the fact that everyone has SOME privilege, even as some people have more privilege than others. By illuminating our various privileges as individuals, we can recognize ways that we can use our privileges individually and collectively to work for social justice. The purpose is not to blame anyone for having more power or privilege or for receiving more help in achieving goals, but to have an opportunity to identify both obstacles and benefits experienced in our life.

Privilege Walk  (University of Houston)

Content Areas:
General
Categories:
Anti-bias Education, Cultural Diversity, Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, Diverse Income Levels, Equity, Gender Diversity, Inclusive Practices, Language Diversity, Social Emotional Learning, Social Justice
Media Type:
Other
Citation:

Retrieved from: https://www.uh.edu/cdi/diversity_education/resources/activities/pdf/privilege-walk.pdf