Othering

Definition

Othering is the process of perceiving or portraying individuals or groups as fundamentally different from oneself, often leading to their marginalization or dehumanization. This concept plays a significant role in how social categories like race and immigration status are constructed and perceived in society. Othering creates an in-group versus out-group mentality, reinforcing stereotypes and biases that can result in discrimination and exclusion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Othering is often linked to the construction of race, where certain racial groups are portrayed as 'the other,' justifying discrimination and social exclusion.
2. The media plays a crucial role in perpetuating othering by framing stories and narratives that depict undocumented immigrants as threats or criminals.
3. Othering can lead to dehumanization, making it easier for people to justify harmful actions against those they see as different.
4. In many societies, othering is institutionalized through laws and policies that differentiate between citizens and non-citizens, particularly affecting undocumented immigrants.
5. The psychological impact of othering can lead to internalized oppression among marginalized groups, affecting their self-esteem and identity.

Review Questions

• How does the process of othering contribute to the social construction of race?
  • Othering contributes to the social construction of race by creating a clear distinction between groups labeled as 'us' versus 'them.' This differentiation reinforces existing stereotypes about racial minorities, leading to their marginalization. When specific racial groups are consistently portrayed as the 'other,' it shapes societal perceptions, enabling systemic racism and discrimination against these groups.
• In what ways does othering manifest in societal attitudes towards undocumented immigrants?
  • Othering manifests in societal attitudes towards undocumented immigrants through negative portrayals that depict them as outsiders or threats. Media narratives often emphasize criminality or economic burden, reinforcing the idea that these individuals do not belong. This perception results in policies that exclude or marginalize undocumented immigrants, further entrenching their status as 'others' within society.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of othering on both marginalized communities and broader societal dynamics.
  • The long-term effects of othering on marginalized communities include internalized oppression, diminished self-worth, and increased vulnerability to discrimination and violence. For broader societal dynamics, othering fosters division and conflict between groups, undermining social cohesion. This persistent divide can lead to systemic inequalities, where marginalized groups remain disadvantaged while perpetuating stereotypes that justify their exclusion from economic, political, and social opportunities.

Related terms

Stereotyping: The oversimplified and generalized belief about a particular group of people, often based on limited information or preconceived notions.

Marginalization: The social process of relegating certain groups or individuals to the fringes of society, denying them access to resources, opportunities, and social power.

Identity Politics: Political movements or ideologies that focus on the interests and perspectives of particular social groups, often based on shared characteristics like race, ethnicity, or immigration status.