Understanding culture is essential in social work, as families come from diverse backgrounds, each with unique values, beliefs, and experiences. The culturagram is a visual tool designed to help social workers gain deeper insight into how culture shapes a family’s life and decisions.
This guide covers what the culturagram is, when and how to use it, its key components, and how it compares to tools like genograms and ecomaps. Whether you’re a student, practitioner, or interested in culturally responsive practices, this resource will support your work in a human-centered way.
What Is a Culturagram
The culturagram is a tool used by social workers to better understand families from different cultural backgrounds. It was created by Dr. Elaine Congress as a way to help professionals look beyond surface-level traits like race or ethnicity and explore the deeper cultural values, experiences, and challenges that shape a family’s life.
Unlike some other tools that focus mostly on family structure (like a genogram), the culturagram focuses on how culture affects a family’s everyday life. It looks at things like where the family comes from, why they moved, how long they’ve been in the community, what languages they speak, their health beliefs, and how they view education, work, and family roles.
The culturagram isn’t about labeling people—it’s about listening. It helps social workers understand what matters most to each family, what struggles they’ve faced (like discrimination or trauma), and what strengths they bring with them.
By using the culturagram, social workers can create support plans that are more respectful, personalized, and effective. It’s a way to connect with families not just as clients, but as people with unique stories, values, and hopes for the future.
Components of the Culturagram
The culturagram looks at different parts of a family’s life to help social workers understand how culture shapes their experiences, values, and needs. Here’s a breakdown of each area it covers:
1. Contact with cultural and religious institutions, holidays, food, and clothing
This area looks at how connected a family is to their cultural and religious practices. It includes participation in religious or community institutions, the celebration of traditional holidays, and preferences around food and clothing. These elements can play a key role in maintaining cultural identity and emotional well-being.
2. Health beliefs and access to health care
Families often have different beliefs about what causes illness and how it should be treated. Some may rely on traditional remedies or may have limited trust in modern healthcare systems. This component also considers whether the family has adequate access to health services, which can affect how they manage physical and mental health.
3. Impact of trauma and crisis events
This includes any past experiences that may have caused significant stress or harm—such as war, natural disasters, forced migration, or family separation. Recognizing the effects of trauma is essential to understanding a family’s behavior, needs, and coping strategies.
4. Language spoken at home and in the community
This looks at what languages are used in different contexts. It helps identify potential communication challenges and understand how language affects relationships within the family and with the wider community.
5. Legal status
This refers to the family’s immigration or residency status. Legal uncertainties can limit access to jobs, healthcare, or education, and may increase stress or fear. It’s important to approach this area with care and without assumptions.
6. Oppression, discrimination, bias, and racism
Some families may face unfair treatment based on their race, ethnicity, language, or cultural background. These experiences can shape how they interact with institutions, including schools, healthcare providers, and social services.
7. Reasons for relocation
Understanding why a family moved—whether by choice or necessity—can reveal a lot about their current situation. Their reasons may include seeking safety, employment, education, or reunification with family.
8. Time in community
This considers how long the family has lived in their current area. Families who are new to a community may still be adjusting, while those who have been there longer might have more established support networks.
9. Values about education and work
Different cultures place varying levels of importance on formal education and types of work. This area helps professionals understand the family’s expectations, priorities, and goals in relation to school and employment.
10. Values about family—structure, power, myths, and rules
This explores how the family is organized and what roles each member plays. It looks at who holds authority, how decisions are made, and what beliefs or traditions are passed down through generations.
How to Create a Culturagram
Follow these steps to create a comprehensive culturagram that improves understanding and supports culturally responsive practice.
Step 1: Prepare for the assessment
Before you start creating a culturagram, it’s important to understand its purpose. The culturagram is designed to provide insights into the cultural factors that influence a family’s life. This means you’ll be exploring aspects such as their cultural background, values, and traditions, all of which are essential for a more culturally informed practice. Begin by ensuring that the family is comfortable with the assessment process, and that they fully understand why you’re asking for their personal information. Always seek informed consent before proceeding.
Step 2: Gather information
Once consent is obtained, start gathering information by engaging in meaningful conversations with the family. Use open-ended questions to encourage detailed responses. The ten key components of the culturagram should guide your interviews. These include aspects such as reasons for relocation, legal status, and the family’s experience with trauma. It’s also important to explore cultural elements like language, health beliefs, and family dynamics. Take your time to listen carefully and let the family share what they believe is important. Remember, the goal is to gather a comprehensive understanding of the cultural context that shapes their lives.
Step 3: Document the information
After gathering the information, the next step is to document it in a way that is clear and accessible. The culturagram is typically represented as a diagram, with the family’s name at the center. Surrounding this, you’ll create sections for each of the ten cultural components. Summarize the key points you learned about the family in each section. You can also use symbols, colors, or lines to represent certain relationships or dynamics, making it easier to visually interpret. The diagram serves as both a record and a tool for future discussions and analysis.
Step 4: Analyze and interpret
With the culturagram complete, take time to analyze the information. Look for patterns or recurring themes that may reveal strengths or areas where the family might need support. Consider the cultural context behind the family’s behaviors and decisions. For instance, their views on education, work, and family roles may be influenced by deeply rooted cultural beliefs. By interpreting this information thoughtfully, you can gain insights into the family’s experiences and perspectives, which is crucial for building trust and providing relevant support.
Step 5: Apply insights to practice
Now that you have a clear understanding of the family’s cultural background, use these insights to guide your practice. The goal is to develop interventions that are culturally responsive, meaning they respect and align with the family’s values and needs. Whether you’re creating a support plan, facilitating resources, or offering guidance, ensure that your approach acknowledges the family’s unique cultural context. Engage with the family in collaboration, making sure their perspectives are heard and integrated into any proposed solutions.
Step 6: Review and update
Families are dynamic, and their circumstances can change over time. That’s why it’s essential to periodically reassess the culturagram. As you work with the family, continue to gather new information and update the diagram to reflect any changes. This ongoing process helps you stay informed and responsive to their evolving needs. Additionally, take time to reflect on your own practice—consider how the culturagram has helped you understand the family better and how it can enhance your cultural competence in the future.
Culturagram Examples
In this section, you’ll find templates and examples to help you use the culturagram in your practice. Each culturagram template will give you a clear idea of how to apply the tool and capture important cultural details in your work with families and individuals.
Culturagram
Culturagram - Perez Family
Social work Case Example Culturagram
Culturagram Example
Culturagram swk101
Culturagram Questions
These culturagram questions are designed to guide your exploration of each category when creating a Culturagram, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of a family’s unique experiences and challenges.
1. Contact with cultural and religious institutions
- What cultural or religious institutions are important to the family (e.g., church, mosque, temple, community centers)?
- How often does the family participate in religious or cultural events?
- What role do these institutions play in the family’s life (e.g., spiritual guidance, community support)?
2. Holidays, food, and clothing
- What cultural or religious holidays does the family celebrate?
- Are there any special foods or meals that are important to the family’s traditions?
- Does the family follow any specific dress codes or clothing traditions based on culture or religion?
3. Health beliefs and access to health care
- How does the family view health and wellness (e.g., holistic health, medical professionals, home remedies)?
- Are there any traditional or cultural health practices that the family follows (e.g., herbal medicine, acupuncture)?
- Does the family face any barriers to accessing health care (e.g., language, lack of insurance, unfamiliarity with the healthcare system)?
4. Impact of trauma and crisis events
- Has the family experienced any traumatic events (e.g., war, violence, natural disasters)?
- How have these events affected the family’s emotional and physical well-being?
- How does the family cope with crises (e.g., seeking therapy, relying on community support, internalizing pain)?
5. Language spoken at home and in the community
- What language(s) does the family speak at home?
- Does the family feel comfortable communicating in the language of the community, or are there language barriers?
- Are there any generational differences in language use (e.g., younger members speaking more English, older members primarily speaking their native language)?
6. Legal status
- What is the family’s legal status (e.g., U.S. citizen, permanent resident, undocumented)?
- Does the family face any challenges related to their legal status (e.g., fear of deportation, legal limitations on work or benefits)?
- How does the family feel about their legal status, and how does it impact their daily life?
7. Oppression, discrimination, bias, and racism
- Has the family faced experiences of oppression, discrimination, or racism (e.g., based on ethnicity, nationality, immigration status)?
- How does the family respond to or cope with discrimination or bias (e.g., activism, avoidance, internalized oppression)?
- Are there any specific instances of discrimination that have had a lasting impact on the family?
8. Reasons for relocation
- Why did the family move to the current location (e.g., for better opportunities, fleeing conflict, following family)?
- How does the family feel about their relocation (e.g., excited, homesick, stressed)?
- How has the relocation affected the family’s sense of identity and belonging?
9. Time in community
- How long has the family been in the current community?
- What is the family’s relationship with the local community (e.g., isolated, integrated, active in community events)?
- Are there any challenges the family faces in adjusting to the community or forming connections?
10. Values about education and work
- How does the family view education (e.g., importance of academic success, access to educational opportunities)?
- What are the family’s values regarding work (e.g., work ethic, types of jobs valued)?
- Are there any cultural factors influencing educational or career choices (e.g., gender roles, family expectations)?
11. Values about family (structure, power, myths, and rules)
- What are the family’s values about family structure (e.g., hierarchical, egalitarian)?
- How is power distributed in the family (e.g., one parent making decisions, shared decision-making)?
- Are there any myths, beliefs, or rules that guide the family (e.g., “family comes first,” “respect for elders,” “children should be seen and not heard”)?
When to Use a Culturagram
The culturagram is a versatile tool that can be employed in various contexts to deepen understanding of cultural influences on families.
1. Working with immigrant and refugee families
When engaging with families who have recently immigrated or sought refuge, the culturagram helps in understanding their migration experiences, reasons for relocation, and the challenges they face in adapting to a new environment. It sheds light on their cultural practices, beliefs, and the impact of past traumas, enabling professionals to provide more empathetic and effective support.
2. Assessing cultural influences in family dynamics
Families from diverse backgrounds may have unique structures, roles, and values. The culturagram allows practitioners to explore aspects such as family hierarchy, decision-making processes, and cultural norms. This understanding is crucial in addressing issues related to family conflict, parenting styles, and intergenerational differences.
3. Enhancing Cultural Competence in Service Delivery
In settings where professionals serve culturally diverse populations, the culturagram serves as a tool to enhance cultural competence. By systematically examining factors like language preferences, religious affiliations, and experiences with discrimination, service providers can tailor their approaches to meet the specific needs of each family.
4. Educational and training purposes
For students and trainees in social work and related disciplines, the culturagram is an effective educational tool. It facilitates the development of skills in cultural assessment and promotes awareness of the complexities involved in working with diverse populations. Through its application, learners can better appreciate the importance of cultural sensitivity in practice.
5. Planning interventions and support services
When designing interventions or support plans, the culturagram provides comprehensive insights into a family’s cultural context. This information is vital in ensuring that services are relevant and respectful of the family’s cultural values and practices, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes.
Benefits and Limitations of the Culturagram
The culturagram is a valuable tool for gaining insight into a family’s cultural background, promoting individualized care, and enhancing cultural competence among professionals. However, it’s also important to be aware of its limitations and use it as part of a broader, comprehensive assessment strategy.
Benefits of the Culturagram
1. Comprehensive cultural insight
The culturagram offers a structured approach to understanding a family’s cultural background. By examining various aspects such as language, health beliefs, and family values, it provides a holistic view of the family’s cultural identity.
2. Individualized assessment
Unlike generalized cultural assessments, the culturagram focuses on the unique experiences of each family. This individualized approach helps avoid stereotypes and acknowledges the diversity within cultural groups.
3. Enhanced communication
Using the culturagram can facilitate open dialogue between professionals and families. It encourages families to share their stories and perspectives, fostering mutual understanding and trust.
4. Informed intervention planning
The insights gained from a culturagram can guide the development of culturally sensitive interventions. By understanding a family’s specific cultural context, professionals can tailor support strategies that are more effective and respectful.
5. Educational tool for practitioners
For students and professionals in social work and related fields, the culturagram serves as a valuable educational resource. It enhances cultural competence by providing a practical framework for assessing and engaging with diverse families.
Limitations of the Culturagram
1. Time-intensive process
Completing a thorough culturagram requires significant time and effort. In fast-paced environments, professionals may find it challenging to allocate the necessary time for this in-depth assessment.
2. Dependence on accurate information
The effectiveness of a culturagram relies on the accuracy and completeness of the information provided by the family. If families are hesitant to share certain details, the assessment may not capture the full cultural picture.
3. Potential for misinterpretation
Without proper training, professionals might misinterpret cultural nuances or overlook critical aspects of a family’s background. This underscores the importance of cultural competence and ongoing education.
4. Risk of oversimplification
While the culturagram aims to provide a comprehensive view, there’s a risk of oversimplifying complex cultural dynamics. It’s essential to use the tool as a starting point for deeper exploration rather than a definitive analysis.
5. Not a standalone solution
The culturagram should be used in conjunction with other social work assessment tools and professional judgment. Relying solely on it may not capture all the factors influencing a family’s situation.
Integrating the Culturagram into Social Work Practice
The culturagram is a valuable tool in social work, helping practitioners understand the cultural identities and life experiences of the families they work with. When integrated thoughtfully, it guides support, builds trust, and shapes meaningful, respectful services.
1. Use during assessment
When to introduce: Start using the culturagram during the assessment phase with new clients, especially those from diverse or immigrant backgrounds.
What it explores: Ask about migration journeys, community involvement, language spoken, and views on health, education, and family roles.
Why it matters: This approach shows clients you care and provides deeper insight into their experiences.
2. Apply insights to case planning
Personalized support: Use culturagram insights to address specific concerns like healthcare access, language barriers, or school struggles.
Example: If a family struggles with healthcare due to language barriers, connect them with culturally sensitive providers.
3. Build trust and relationships
Enhanced communication: Using the culturagram demonstrates your effort to understand clients’ backgrounds.
Avoid stereotypes: Rather than making assumptions, you learn directly from the family’s perspective, strengthening trust and collaboration.
4. Improve team collaboration
Sharing insights: In interdisciplinary settings, sharing culturagram insights helps professionals (teachers, healthcare providers, etc.) understand the cultural context.
Effective support: This leads to more coordinated, culturally sensitive services.
5. Commit to continuous learning
Evolving culture: Recognize that culture isn’t static—clients’ needs and cultural understanding evolve over time.
Revisit regularly: Keep the culturagram up-to-date to ensure your approach remains relevant and responsive.
Culturagram vs Genogram vs Ecomap
Each of these three tools—the culturagram, genogram, and ecomap—helps social workers understand families more deeply. But they each focus on different aspects of a person or family’s life. Knowing how they compare helps you choose the right one for the situation or use them together for a more complete picture.
Culturagram: understanding culture and daily life
The culturagram is all about understanding how a family’s cultural background shapes their everyday experiences. It looks at things like where the family came from, why they moved, how long they’ve been in the community, what languages they speak, and their beliefs around health, education, work, and family roles. It also explores experiences with discrimination or trauma. The goal is to see how culture influences behavior, relationships, and access to support. Social workers use the culturagram to build culturally sensitive plans and to connect with families in a way that respects their lived experiences.
Genogram: Mapping family structure and history
The genogram is like a family tree, but with more detail. It shows the relationships between family members across generations, often including three or more generations. It goes beyond names and dates—it can also show patterns of behavior, emotional relationships, health issues, and major life events. For example, you might see repeated patterns of divorce, mental health struggles, or strong maternal figures in a family line. This tool helps social workers understand family dynamics, inherited traits, and how the past might be influencing current issues.
Ecomap: Exploring the family’s connections to the outside world
The ecomap focuses on how a person or family interacts with their environment. It shows the connections between the family and external systems—like schools, workplaces, healthcare, friends, religious communities, and social services. It also shows whether those relationships are supportive or stressful. Social workers use ecomaps to see where strengths lie, where resources are lacking, and how a family’s network is affecting their wellbeing. It’s especially useful for identifying isolation, community support, and stressors that come from outside the home.
How they compare
Focus: The culturagram explores culture and identity, the genogram maps family structure and history, and the ecomap shows outside systems and relationships.
Use in Practice: The culturagram helps tailor culturally appropriate interventions. The genogram helps understand long-term family patterns. The ecomap helps assess support systems and stress points in the environment.
Visual Structure: All three are visual tools, but their diagrams look different. The genogram resembles a family tree, the ecomap is more of a web with lines to outside systems, and the culturagram often looks like a chart with key cultural categories.
Why use them together
Each tool offers a unique perspective. When used together, they give a more complete view of a person’s or family’s life. For example, the genogram helps you see how family relationships have developed over time, the culturagram gives context about cultural values that influence those relationships, and the ecomap shows how the outside world supports or challenges the family. Together, they help you understand not just who someone is, but why their life looks the way it does and how to support them more effectively.
Conclusion
Culture is not just a background detail—it’s a living, breathing part of who people are and how they experience the world. The culturagram is a tool that reminds us of this truth and helps bring it into everyday practice. It encourages us to listen more carefully, ask more thoughtful questions, and build relationships that are grounded in understanding and trust.
As a social worker, counselor, or care provider, using the culturagram means you are committing to seeing the whole person and honoring their story. It’s about making sure that services and support are not only helpful, but also respectful and relevant. When you integrate the culturagram into your work, you’re doing more than gathering information—you’re making a conscious choice to center culture, and ultimately, humanity, in the way you serve others.
References
Yeshiva University (2021). Practical Applications of the Culturagram to Social Work. [online] Yeshiva. Available at: https://online.yu.edu/wurzweiler/blog/practical-applications-culturagram-social-work.
Congress, E.P. and Kung, W.W. (2021). Using the Culturagram and an Intersectional Approach in Practice With Culturally Diverse Families. [online] connect.springerpub.com. Springer Publishing Company. Available at: https://connect.springerpub.com/content/book/978-0-8261-5415-6/part/part01/chapter/ch01.
Social Work. (2019). Culturagrams. [online] Available at: https://socialworkculturagram.weebly.com/culturagrams.html.
Congress, E.P. (1994). The Use of Culturagrams to Assess and Empower Culturally Diverse Families. Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services, 75(9), pp.531–540. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/104438949407500901.
FAQs About the Culturagram
Does using a culturagram require special training?
Can I update a culturagram over time?
Is the culturagram only used in social work?
Can I use a culturagram with individuals as well as families?
Can the culturagram help identify cultural strengths?
How can the culturagram improve client relationships?
Can the culturagram be used for families in crisis?
What’s the difference between a culturagram and a genogram?
