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Abstract

Diversity courses cover a variety of relevant topics, but it is difficult to convey the dilemmas those with stigmatized, invisible social identities may encounter in the workplace. This exercise attempts to situate students in the perspective of both the person with the invisible identity and those who may unintentionally place that person in a difficult situation. Five role-plays with scenarios that reflect real-world situations allow students to heighten their sensitivity and understanding in workplace situations that may involve invisible social identities. The learning builds on the students’ lived experience and links stigma and invisible social identity theory to their workplace environment.

Keywords

diversity invisible social identity stigma experiential exercise role-play

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