Self awareness by Estephanie Lopez Fernandez

How do you define difference?

lopezfernase — 2025-10-03 18:24:02 UTC

To me, difference means a distinct in characteristics. Something that makes us unique from one another, such as our backgrounds, personal experiences, how we perceive things, etc. Everyone is different in their own ways. Differences shape our identities and allow us to share our differences with one another.

What do you consider to be your master statuses?

lopezfernase — 2025-10-03 19:12:33 UTC

Master statuses mean the main part of your identity that people notice first. My visible master status is my skin color. People often make assumptions about me based on my appearance before they even get to know me

What I consider my "master statuses", how I identify myself, is Latina (Mexican), Catholic, female, and a college student. I identify this way because it has been a big part of my life since I was young. Being Latina, specifically Mexican, is important to me because of my culture, traditions, and the values I was raised with. I was raised catholic, and I value this side of me because it is something my parents have taught me. My Catholic faith guides my morals and decisions. I was born a female, I was the first female on both sides of my grandparents, uncles/aunts, and my parents, so this holds a special and important part of my identity. Finally, being a college student is an important part of my current identity because it reflects my goals, responsibilities, and I am the first one in my family to have an opportunity to go to college.

How does the process of dichotomization affect your understanding of difference?

lopezfernase — 2025-10-03 19:13:46 UTC

Dichotomization, or putting things in two separate categories (us vs them, good vs bad, etc), can limit how we understand people. It can cause people to be misunderstood or judged based on one part of who they are, instead of being seen as a whole person. Dichotomization affects my understanding of difference because it reminds me that people can't be defined by just one label or identity.

Of those master statuses, which do you consider to be stigmatized statuses and which are privileged?

lopezfernase — 2025-10-03 19:25:16 UTC

Out of the four master statuses I identify myself with, being a college student is definitely privileged, while being a female, Catholic Latina is the most stigmatized. The reason why I believe being a college student is considered privileged is because it’s often associated with being educated, which can lead to more respect and better opportunities. People usually see it as a sign of success and achievement. Whereas Catholicism, being Latina, and being female can carry stereotypes or biases, some people may assume certain things about my culture, religion, or gender without actually knowing me.

How will your experiences and understanding of difference impact your work as a social worker?

lopezfernase — 2025-10-03 20:03:55 UTC

My experiences and understanding of both privilege and stigma have taught me to be more open-minded and empathetic toward others. Although everyone is different, we all have feelings, and I can see how people can be affected by how society views their identity, and how important it is to treat everyone with respect, no matter their background. I believe this awareness will help me be a better social worker because it teaches me how to be more patient and understand clients who come from different backgrounds. It will remind me to listen carefully, avoid assumptions, and create a safe space where people feel valued and supported, no matter what barriers they face.

lopezfernase — 2025-10-03 20:39:29 UTC

Crossman, A. (2019, October 6). What’s your master status: The Social Position that defines you? ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/master-status-3026399

Rosenblum, K. E., & Travis , T.-M. C. (2015). THE MEANING OF DIFFERENCE. McGraw-Hill Education.

Pounder, C. C. H., Adelman, L., Cheng, J., Herbes-Sommers, C., Strain, T. H., Smith, L., & Ragazzi, C. (2003). Race: The Power of an Illusion. San Francisco, Calif.: California Newsreel

Mexican and Latino stereotypes. Jim Crow Museum. (n.d.). https://jimcrowmuseum.ferris.edu/mexican.htm

Padilla, K. (2023, April 25). Understanding your own privilege in college. The Vermilion. https://thevermilion.net/2023/04/25/understanding-your-own-privilege-in-college/