Social constructions of identities such as class, ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, geography, and ability play an important role in understanding identity dimensions (McEwen, 2003b). Some identity dimensions, like geography and material goods, are not developmentally grounded, yet they play a critical role in self-definitions.

Student Development in College, p. 87

At Agnes Scott College, first year students have the opportunity to attend the Explore program. This program is a weekend-long retreat for first-year students to unpack intersecting identities and focus on leadership development. This program is offered through the Center for Leadership and Service, a division of Agnes Scott Student Affairs.

Programs such as this one can support students’ social identity development by providing a space to explore, dialogue with others, and learn about factors that influence social identity. This program also makes it clear that students should expect to have intersecting identities and likely gives them the tools and resources to understand how these identities can interact.