Structural oppression is a systemic form of discrimination that can take many forms, including institutionalized racism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, classism, ageism, and others. These systems are deeply ingrained in society and are difficult to dismantle because they are supported by societal norms, laws, policies, and institutions.
Some argue that this can only be achieved through fundamental changes in society's moral values and attitudes towards marginalized groups. This essay will explore how structural oppression may persist without such transformation and what steps can be taken to effectuate change.
It is essential to understand why transforming the underlying moral culture is necessary for eradicating structural oppression. Morals refer to principles, standards, or rules governing human conduct. They dictate how individuals should treat each other based on their identity, beliefs, and behaviors. When these moral codes are rooted in prejudice, bigotry, and discrimination, they perpetuate exclusionary practices and maintain existing power structures.
Heteronormativity - the idea that sexuality and gender roles are fixed and binary - promotes cisgender and heterosexual supremacy while excluding LGBTQ+ people. Similarly, white supremacist morality reinforces whiteness as superior, resulting in anti-blackness and racial inequality.
History shows us that attempts to eradicate structural oppression have often failed due to a lack of moral transformation. The civil rights movement of the 1960s succeeded in ending legal segregation but did not address the systemic racism that continued to affect Black Americans. Women's liberation movements achieved political equality for women but did not address gender stereotypes that perpetuate sexism. In other words, changing laws and policies alone does not eliminate prejudice; rather, attitudinal shifts must accompany them to achieve lasting social change.
There are several ways we can work towards transforming society's moral values and attitudes. One approach is through education and awareness campaigns that challenge harmful ideologies and promote inclusivity and acceptance. This could involve teaching children about different identities and experiences from an early age, challenging biased media portrayals of marginalized groups, and advocating for diverse representation in popular culture. Another strategy is to create safe spaces where individuals can share their stories, heal from trauma, and build solidarity with others who experience similar forms of discrimination.
Holding institutions accountable for perpetuating these systems is crucial by demanding equitable policies, practices, and hiring practices and boycotting those that do not prioritize diversity and inclusion.
While structural oppression can be dismantled without moral transformation, it will require significant effort and commitment to creating a more just world. By recognizing our own complicity in perpetuating oppressive structures, engaging in self-reflection, and working collectively to shift societal norms, we can make meaningful progress toward this goal.
Can structural oppression be eradicated without transforming the underlying moral culture?
Structural oppression refers to various forms of discrimination that are systemic and perpetuated through social institutions and practices. These include racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, ageism, classism, and other forms of discrimination based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, economic status, and age. Structural oppression is deeply ingrained within society and is often difficult to challenge as it has become normalized over time.