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OVERVIEW
United Way for Southeastern Michigan is commit ted to deconstructing systemic racism while advancing diversity,
equity and inclusion for all. We open our arms to all people in collaboration, prioritizing both large and small mat ters
of injustice, and keeping equity and inclusion at the center of our work while fighting for change. It is our hope that by
remaining focused and united, we will create a better future for coming generations.
Critical to that mission is understanding the rich diversit y we all bring to the table. The Social Identity Wheel is an
evolving tool to help us bet ter map out the different dimensions of our social identities. The wheel allows us to bet ter
understand how our identities shape experiences across all dimensions.
Social identity refers to the aspects of someone that are formed in relation to the society they belong to. Rather
than personalit y traits or interests that make up your identity and sense of self, social identities describe the socially
construc ted groups that are present in specific environments within human societies (race/gender/religion, sexual
orientation, etc.).
INSTRUCTIONS
On the following page you will find a social identity wheel and a page of examples to help you fill out the wheel.
As you review the wheel, take the following steps:
1. Take a moment to look over the wheel and notice the layers of Core/Internal and Secondary/External.
2. Now you will identify the memberships you claim or that have been ascribed to you for each identity group.
You can write on the wheel directly or use a piece of paper to fill in the identity you hold that matches
each group on the wheel. You will want to start with the Core/Internal Dimensions and then work your way
outward.
3. The last page has examples of each identity group. Please note that many identities may overlap or intersect.
If you do not see a term that you would use to describe yourself please use whatever terms you prefer.
4. You will notice a blank in each layer of the wheel. You can use this space to write an identity that is not
represented in the categories presented.
5. Once you have filled in the wheel, follow up by going through the reflection questions. You can do this activity
alone but it is better to discuss with others. We encourage you to share and discuss the wheel with your family,
colleagues, classmates or community.
SOCIAL IDENTITY WHEEL
