Most families have secrets that conceal shame-evoking histories and experiences. Many of them involve taboos about sex, criminal behavior, incarceration, war trauma, ancestry, race or other denied and hidden pasts. Some secrets hold less power over our lives, and others are so painful or would create so much pain for others that we keep them hidden. Decisions about concealment and truth-telling are often complicated and raise questions such as: “Who owns the secret?” and “Who has a right to know?” This is an academic exploration of the social and interpersonal dynamics in families that lead to secret-keeping, and the motivations behind secret-keeping and revealing. No one is expected to reveal secrets. Discussion formats will give participants freedom to share or opt out of sharing.
NOTE: Course materials are from psychological studies in family secrets, sociological looks at trends in culture, and diverse memoirists. Some discussions or materials could be evocative. Those with newly uncovered secrets or deeply painful secrets may wish to take another course. Course participants will read “The Secret Life of Families” by Evan Imber-Black.
