The Game of Privileges

Quick Answer: The Game of Privileges is an educational activity game about privilege and social inequality, used to help participants see how background and circumstances shape people’s opportunities, followed by a guided discussion. It belongs in civic education, social science and youth-work sessions rather than in the science laboratory.

What the Game Is For

Games built around privilege turn an abstract idea into a shared experience. In the most familiar format, often called a privilege walk, each participant takes on a character, and a facilitator reads statements about everyday situations such as access to education, health care, safe housing or fair treatment by others. Players move forward or back according to each answer, and by the end the gaps between them make visible how advantages and barriers accumulate.

The value lies in the discussion that follows. Participants talk about how it felt to move ahead or fall behind, which statements surprised them, and which differences came from choices and which from circumstances beyond anyone’s control. Well-run sessions link these reactions to ideas in the syllabus, such as equality before the law, discrimination, stereotypes and social justice.

The listing names the game but does not describe its components, number of players, age range or language, and the name suggests it may be based on a French title, le jeu des privilèges. Confirm the contents and language before ordering.

Specifications

Where It Is Used

• Civic education lessons on equality, rights and discrimination
• Sociology and social science units on social stratification
• Teacher training and staff development on inclusive classrooms
• Youth clubs and student councils discussing fairness in school life

Running a Session Well

• Agree ground rules first: respect, confidentiality and the right to pass on any statement.
• Where possible, use assigned characters rather than players’ real lives, so no one has to reveal personal circumstances.
• Leave enough time for the debrief; the discussion afterwards matters more than the game itself.
• After each session, check the pieces against the contents list and store the game in its box.

Why Choose LabEquip

The Game of Privileges is bought by teachers of civics and social science, school counsellors and trainers who run workshops on inclusion, rather than by science departments. LabEquip lists it in its Educational Charts range, and questions about contents and language can be sent through the contact page before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is meant by privilege in this game?

Privilege here means an unearned advantage that some people have because of circumstances such as family income, where they live, gender, disability or social background. The game helps players notice advantages they may take for granted and barriers that others face.

What age group is a privilege game suitable for?

Activities on privilege and inequality are usually run with older secondary students, college groups and adults, because the debrief needs maturity. With younger classes, teachers often simplify the statements and keep the focus on fairness in everyday situations.

How should a teacher lead the discussion afterwards?

Start by asking how players felt, then what they noticed about who moved ahead and why. Draw out the difference between individual effort and circumstances outside a person’s control, and end by asking what could make things fairer in school or in society.

Could the game upset some students?

It can, especially if players answer about their own lives. Using fictional characters, letting anyone step out without explaining, and focusing the discussion on systems rather than individuals keep the activity safe and respectful.

Which subjects can the game support?

It fits civic and moral education, social science, sociology and citizenship lessons, as well as life-skills sessions and staff training on inclusion. It is not a science-laboratory resource, even though it is listed with the educational charts.

Is the game available in English?

The listing does not state the language of the materials, and the title suggests a French original. Ask LabEquip to confirm the language and contents when you enquire, so the materials suit your group.

Last Updated: September 2026