A culturagram is a family assessment tool used in the practice of social work which was first introduced by Fordham University professor, Dr. Elaine Congress.
Assessing a family only in terms of a specific cultural identity, however, may lead to overgeneralization and stereotyping (Congress & Kung, 2013).
Furthermore, family members who regularly work or attend school in the larger community may be more acculturated than those who stay at home.
The culturagram has been seen as an essential tool in helping social workers work more effectively with families from many different cultures.
Not only does it help the social worker achieve greater understanding of the culture of a family, it can also point the way toward future treatment.
For example, refugees may have had particularly traumatic experiences in their country of origin and undocumented immigrants through the transit period that may affect their current psychological well being in the United States.
Initial evaluation of the culturagram has been positive, and there are further plans to assess further its effectiveness in promoting culturally competent practice.