Economic marginalization

Definition

Economic marginalization refers to the process by which certain groups are pushed to the fringes of the economy, limiting their access to resources, opportunities, and power. This often results in systemic inequalities that perpetuate poverty and restrict social mobility, significantly impacting marginalized communities, particularly based on race, gender, and immigration status.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Economic marginalization disproportionately affects women and people of color, who often face barriers in accessing quality education, employment, and financial services.
2. This form of marginalization can lead to a cycle of poverty that is difficult to break, as those affected have limited means to improve their economic situation.
3. Government policies and practices can contribute to economic marginalization by perpetuating systemic discrimination in housing, employment, and social services.
4. In a global context, economic marginalization often intersects with issues of xenophobia and racism, impacting immigrant communities and marginalized racial groups differently across countries.
5. Movements for economic justice often emphasize the need to address the root causes of economic marginalization by advocating for inclusive policies that provide equal access to resources and opportunities.

Review Questions

• How does economic marginalization intersect with issues of racism and xenophobia in global politics?
  • Economic marginalization is closely linked to racism and xenophobia as these social constructs create barriers that restrict access to economic resources for marginalized groups. For instance, racial minorities and immigrants may face discrimination in hiring practices, leading to fewer job opportunities and lower wages. This creates a cycle of economic disadvantage that reinforces societal inequalities and limits these groups' ability to participate fully in the economy.
• Discuss the gendered dimensions of economic marginalization and how they contribute to broader economic inequality.
  • Economic marginalization has distinct gendered dimensions that affect women disproportionately. Women are often concentrated in lower-paying jobs with less security and fewer benefits compared to their male counterparts. Additionally, cultural norms may restrict women's access to education and professional development opportunities. This not only perpetuates individual poverty but also contributes to wider economic inequality by undervaluing women's contributions to the economy.
• Evaluate feminist and anti-racist approaches to addressing economic marginalization and their effectiveness in promoting global economic justice.
  • Feminist and anti-racist approaches advocate for an intersectional perspective in addressing economic marginalization by emphasizing the interconnectedness of race, gender, and class. These movements aim to challenge systemic inequalities through policy reforms that promote equitable access to resources and opportunities for all marginalized groups. The effectiveness of these approaches lies in their ability to mobilize diverse communities and raise awareness about the complex barriers faced by economically marginalized individuals. By uniting efforts across movements, they can create a more comprehensive framework for achieving global economic justice.

Related terms

Structural Inequality: A form of inequality that is entrenched in the social, economic, and political structures of society, affecting opportunities and outcomes for certain groups.

Intersectionality: A framework that examines how various social identities (such as race, gender, and class) overlap and intersect, leading to unique experiences of discrimination or privilege.

Social Exclusion: The process by which individuals or groups are systematically blocked from various rights, opportunities, and resources, often resulting in a lack of participation in societal activities.