Harro, Bobbie (2000). The cycle of socialization. In M. Adams, W. Blumenfeld, R. Castañeda, H. Hackman, M. Peteres & X. Zúñiga (eds.) Readings for diversity and social justice: An anthology on racism, sexism, anti-semitism, heterosexism, classism, and ableism (pp. 15-21). New York: Routledge.

I read Bobbie Harro’s Cycle of Socialization in SWK 624: Social Work Practice and Human Diversity. It was central to the composition of my Cycle of Socialization paper in which I analyzed a time I was prejudiced toward, stereotyped, or discriminated against others. I utilized Harro’s model to try to understand how my behaviors came to be.

This is a reading that really stuck with me. It provided a framework to more clearly understand that people do not come to be whoever they are, for better or for worse, in a vacuum. It provides space for compassion or maybe even forgiveness for others we may find ourselves at odds with.

I have shared this article with friends across multiple disciplines since first reading it and it has contributed to insightful and reflective conversations.