What is oppression? Oppression refers to the systematic subjugation of one group of people by another group based on their social identity or status. This can be based on various factors such as race, class, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, etc. Oppression often leads to marginalization and discrimination that affects individuals' access to resources, opportunities, and representation in society. Multiple forms of oppression are interrelated and interact with each other to create an intersectional experience of oppression for many people. The experiences of these individuals are characterized by unique struggles and challenges that require psychological insights to understand.
One form of oppression is gender-based oppression, which involves the unequal treatment of men and women due to their gender identities. Gender-based oppression manifests in different ways, including wage gaps, domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment, and objectification. Women, non-binary individuals, transgender people, and gender nonconforming people face unique challenges related to their gender identity. They may experience increased levels of anxiety, depression, and PTSD due to the daily struggles they encounter in a patriarchal society.
Gender-based oppression intersects with other forms of oppression, such as racial oppression, creating even more difficulties for some groups.
Racial oppression is another significant form of oppression that involves the unequal treatment of individuals based on their skin color, ethnicity, and cultural background. People of color often face systemic barriers in education, employment, housing, healthcare, and criminal justice systems. Racial microaggressions, stereotypes, and prejudice lead to emotional distress and trauma. Studies have shown that racism can cause physical and mental health problems, leading to higher rates of stress, heart disease, and suicide among Black Americans.
Sexual orientation-based oppression refers to the discrimination and marginalization experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals based on their sexual orientation. LGBTQ+ people are often subjected to hate crimes, discrimination in employment, housing, and health care, and lack of representation in politics and media. This leads to higher rates of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and PTSD. LGBTQ+ individuals also face intersectionality with other forms of oppression, such as race or disability, which adds additional complexities to their experiences.
Disability-based oppression occurs when individuals with disabilities are excluded from participating fully in society because of their physical or cognitive limitations. Disabled individuals may face challenges accessing education, employment, transportation, and social support networks due to societal attitudes and institutional policies. The experience of disability intersects with other forms of oppression, creating unique difficulties for disabled people from minority groups.
A Black woman with a disability faces double jeopardy due to both her gender identity and disability status.
Intersectionality is a concept that describes how different forms of oppression interact and overlap, creating a unique experience of oppression for some individuals. Intersectionality acknowledges that multiple identities intersect to create an individual's lived experience, shaping how they navigate society and interact with others. By understanding this concept, psychologists can better understand the challenges faced by these individuals and provide more effective interventions.
Critical race theory (CRT) provides insights into how racism operates in our institutions, laws, and culture. CRT suggests that race is a social construct used to justify power dynamics between white people and people of color. It explains why racial inequality persists despite efforts to eliminate it and how it affects various aspects of life, including education, criminal justice, healthcare, and housing. Critical feminist theory (CFS) offers similar insights into how sexism shapes women's lives, roles, and opportunities.
Psychological insights emerge from confronting multiple forms of oppression simultaneously as people experience them differently based on their intersectional identities.
A black transgender woman may face greater discrimination than a white cisgender man or a heterosexual Asian man may face fewer barriers than a gay Latina woman. Therefore, providing support tailored to each individual's needs is essential. Awareness of one's privileges can help foster empathy and solidarity among allies who wish to advocate for marginalized groups.
Multiple forms of oppression are interrelated and interact to create unique experiences for individuals. Psychological insight is needed to understand the complexities of these experiences and develop strategies to address them. Understanding intersectionality allows us to recognize the complexity of people's lived experiences and offer appropriate support.
What psychological insights emerge from confronting multiple forms of oppression simultaneously?
The question addresses the complexities of experiencing various forms of discrimination or oppression at once and how it can impact one's mental health and well-being. Research suggests that individuals who face intersecting oppressions are more likely to experience negative outcomes such as higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression compared to those who only encounter one form of discrimination.