ABSTRACT:

The social atom, created by Moreno in 1975, posits that individuals are shaped by their interactions, leading to the development of role theory. Moreno suggested that the social atom represents the smallest unit of society, comprised of people essential to an individual’s life. Literature examining differences includes Butler (2011), who discusses gender performances, and Hooks (2000), who introduces the concept of intersectionality. It could be argued that social tensions affecting groups identified with different categories may lead to violent acts, such as racism and homophobia, often perpetrated by those who identify one-sidedly with these social struggles. In contrast, the Morenian approach enables groups to understand each other through their differences as well as their similarities. Thus, literature on social markers serves as a contemporary tool that can complement and enhance psychodramatic work. This online workshop aims to explore client relationships through the lens of social categories like gender, race, and sexual orientation, drawing attention to how these differences influence such relationships. Participants will reflect on their own and their clients’ experiences regarding sociocultural and historical differences.

Educational Objectives:

• To make the social differences between psychodramatists and their clients more visible and encourage curiosity about these differences.
• To reflect on client relationships concerning social markers and differences, acknowledging their impact on these relationships.
• To share strategies for addressing differences in psychodramatic work.

Method:
Participants will create social atoms for clients they currently work with, whether in private practice, institutions, or other settings. After developing these social atoms, they will categorize their clients by social identities (e.g., transgender, bisexual, non-monogamous), using different colors to represent each category. The expected outcome is a social atom that visually represents the clients’ identities. Participants will then be invited to consider which markers might identify their clients (e.g., skin color, gender expression, relationship styles) and how their own experiences with these markers may influence their client relationships. This reflection will be conducted privately. Afterward, participants will share their thoughts with the group to the extent that they feel comfortable. The discussion will include the impact of power relations on their work and strategies for managing differences and power imbalances.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES
Butler, J. (2011). Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. Estados Unidos: Taylor & Francis. Hooks, B. (2000). Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center. Reino Unido: Pluto Press. Moreno, J. L. (1946). Psychodrama. Estados Unidos: Beacon House.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER: