Toolkit 1: What are social identity factors?

The objective of toolkit 1 is to introduce social identity factors as a foundational component within Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus).

Social identity factors are the various characteristics that make up every individual such as age, gender, and language. It includes the various aspects of our identity that make every member unique and diverse.

To learn more about social identity factors, watch the video on social identity factors.

In GBA Plus, social identity factors are considered at every step of the process. For example, various social identity factors can influence the nature of the issue (Step 1), the needs of members (Step 2), the inequalities that they may encounter (Step 3), the options that are needed (Step 4), and how to implement these options and monitor their effectiveness (Step 5).

Social identity factors: Self-reflection exercise

Remember: social identity factors are the various aspects of our identity that make every person unique and diverse. Understanding social identity factors in ourselves, our colleagues, and the people and communities we interact with is a key part of conducting GBA Plus.

  1. Review the social identity wheel and lexicon, then for each social identity factor that is applicable to you, note how you self-identify and explain how this could affect your experience at work.
    You may also add extra social identity factors that were not listed on the social identity wheel.
  2. Once you have completed as much as you are able, reflect on how the various social identity factors could affect how you experience your work within your posting, unit, base or the CAF in general.

Important note

This is a private and solo exercise that can show how various social identity factors can influence our needs and experiences. Knowing this about ourselves, colleagues and communities can inform our interactions to align with the Defence Team core values of respect, integrity, accountability, inclusion, excellence, courage, and loyalty. Applying GBA Plus is a tangible way that CAF members can demonstrate these core values in how we show up at work, how we do our work, and what we accomplish through our work.

Social identity factors: Learning application

Recalling the microlearning video on social identity factors, reflect on the following questions as they relate to Home Leave Travel Assistance (HLTA) and how your unique social identity factors could influence your needs, decisions and actions.

  1. How might the application of the HLTA impact you based on your current situation related to your social identity factors?
  2. What barriers might you experience when accessing the HLTA?
  3. What supports can be extended to reduce the barriers?
  4. Imagine another member with different social identity factors. How might their experience of the HLTA change? What supports would they need to access the HLTA without barriers?

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