2 Games to explore Rank and Privilege

As I've noted before, our group likes games, but doesn't love games that have no point. (Ehhh, with one exception -- *wink*).

We talk in depth about rank and privilege throughout the year as we work to build awareness and cohesion in our group, but also and especially as we're getting ready to do any type of social justice or service work.

Here are two excellent games that have allowed our youth to explore these issues in a fun way. Each takes some preparation, but the payoff is worth it.

The Bag Exercise "gives participants a quick experience of rank and privilege, especially economic class" but we've frequently used this to explore rank within our own group as well:
http://www.trainingforchange.org/bagexercise

Intergroup Monopoly "illustrates the structural dynamics and consequences of intergroup inequalities." This is also an excellent exercise for adults, or youth and adults:
http://www.socialpsychology.org/action/2011winner.htm

For an (ineloquent yet) decent and brief explanation of rank, power and privilege, you can check out the article here:
http://www.breakthrough.ie/articleissues/rankpowerprivilegevol2no12.htm