- Nicole Springer
- Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement
- Michigan State University
Why Learn about Power and Privilege?
"If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together."
~Words from an Aboriginal Activists Group
Queensland, 1970s
For historical and contextual reasons, people differ in their levels of power, privilege, and control. These differences influence perceptions of what is right and wrong, the expected roles individuals have in society, and how people communicate with others. Understanding and being sensitive to differences allows people to communicate and work more effectively with each other.
Learning Objectives
After completing this module you will understand:
- How people differ in their levels of power and privilege
- How being sensitive to these differences allows people to communicate and work more effectively with each other
- How culture shapes identity and relationships
- How to be aware of devaluing or privileging one perspective over another
Module Preview
This module illustrates how understanding and being sensitive to the differences in levels of power and privilege will help you engage more effectively with people in the community. It will help you to be more aware of your actions and thoughts so that you are able to respect and honor differences in people and ideas. Learning these concepts now will assist you as you continue through the other modules.
