Parameters for Constructing the Cultural Genogram

Genograms are very helpful in understanding patterns, beliefs, world views central to all families. For the purpose of this assignment, we will emphasis the meaning of “cultural norms” across generations. Though genograms are often used to identify emotional events that impact various family members, they can often identify a multitude of family strengths.

Information to be identified for this assignment is more macro oriented content about the larger socio-political-economic environments impacting on each generation of your family.

Information to be collected:

3 generations of immediate family members – Adoptive families when appropriate – Fictive kinship / Relationship to you

(Think about the larger society context/expectations when working on the rest of the information) Examples include:

Residence- immigration, etc., migration Ethnic/Cultural Origins

Occupation

Education – formal or informal

Other key influences on you or your family

Be sure to create a Key so that the observer is able to follow your visual!

The paper to accompany your cultural genogram (physical map) will describe aspects that are not easily identified in the visual created. Discussion should include any themes or patterns that emerged for you. What larger forces were reflected in your family? Ultimately, does this inform you about your life choices? The paper should be no longer than 6 double spaced pages with 12 pt font and additional references cited appropriately.