A Transcultural and Intersectional Ego State Model of the Self: The Influence of Transcultural and Intersectional Identity on Self and Other

Abstract

This article presents a transcultural and intersectional ego state model that takes into consideration the reality of systemic oppression and the influence of transcultural and intersectional identity on self and other. The model considers the intersect and interplay between race, gender, and other cultural selves and takes into account the complexity of cultural experience and narrative. Through inquiry about cultural selves and mapping those onto an ego state model, it is possible to develop more insight into intersectional identity, including how privilege and oppression are manifested in the self and enacted in the world. The author asks how we might reflect on and locate cultural impasse, unconscious bias, generational oppression, White privilege, othering, and power dynamics in our work. A dialogue with a colleague is offered, and intersectional identities are mapped and discussed. Readers are invited to consider their transcultural experience and locate their intersectional identity, thus accounting for power dynamics.

Keywords:

• Transactional analysis
• intersectionality
• privilege
• oppression
• systemic oppression
• ego state
• power dynamics
• radical openness
• nondefended dialogue
• identity politics

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Disclosure statement

The author declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Victoria Baskerville

Victoria Baskerville, BA (Hons), PGCE MSc in TA Psychotherapy, Certified Transactional Analyst (psychotherapy), Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst (psychotherapy), is the founder of TA East London Institute and the chair of the ITAA Social Engagement Committee. She can be reached at 10 Chaucer Road, Wanstead, London, E11 2RE, United Kingdom; email: [email protected].