Blog Post # 6

Context mapping is the way in which we define ourselves through different contexts. The way in which we define ourselves may be different depending on the environment we are in. The environments can include school, home, the work place, with friends, and many others.

In the article, Mitch asked Julian to list the different spaces and relationships that he is confronted with daily. He then asks Julian  to write down what he thought each space and relationship expected of him.

My context map looks like this:

In the reading, we were shown the identity status theory. In this theory, there are four different statuses:

1. Forclosed Identity - An individual has commited to a way of life without carefully exploring it or looking at alternatives. This identity can be either thrust upon them due to no perceived alternatives or simply accepted without hesitation.
2. Moratorium -  An individual that is constantly explores different identities and context, but doesn't commit to one. They are constantly experimenting and trying different ones and changing beliefs, relationships, and behaviors.
3. Diffuse Identity - An individual has little to know hesitation to picking an identity and has no real commitment to one. This means that the person will easily flip between identities depending on the context and influence of others in order to fit in.
4. Achieved Identity- An individual has resolved their identity crisis and is able to bring their identities from the past and merge them with the present.

Blog Post # 5

After going through the Youh Development Ideology Inventory, I've discovered that my ideology is predominantly under the category of Positive Youth Development. According to the YDEV Ideology Horoscope ,this means that I am looking to build on the strengths and assets of youth and focus on them growing. It also means that I believe that youth have several assets (internal and external). It is also the belief that the youth worker's job to give youth positive external assets in order for them to develop positive internal assets.

I feel that the Positive Youth Development Ideology is a very accurate Ideology for me. I believe that developing the positive internal and external assets will help the youth not only develop , but want to develop into bright individuals. I also feel that creating a space where the youth can express themselves freely to talk about what they want and to not only ask questions on what's being talked about, but to get straight answers on them.