Marginalization

Definition

Marginalization refers to the process by which individuals or groups are pushed to the periphery of society, denied access to resources, and excluded from meaningful participation in the economic, social, and political life of the community. It is a complex phenomenon that can manifest in various forms and have far-reaching consequences for those affected.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marginalization can occur due to factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, or a combination of these identities.
2. Marginalized individuals and groups often face barriers to accessing education, healthcare, employment, and other essential services, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage.
3. The media and technology can play a role in perpetuating or exacerbating marginalization by reinforcing stereotypes, underrepresenting or misrepresenting marginalized groups, and limiting their access to digital resources.
4. Marginalization can lead to a lack of political representation and voice, making it difficult for marginalized groups to advocate for their rights and influence decision-making processes.
5. Addressing marginalization requires a multifaceted approach that addresses systemic inequalities, promotes inclusive policies, and empowers marginalized communities to participate fully in society.

Review Questions

• Explain how marginalization can be manifested in the context of media and technology (8.3 Global Implications of Media and Technology)
  • Marginalization in the context of media and technology can occur through the underrepresentation or stereotypical portrayal of certain groups, limiting their access to digital resources and platforms, and the perpetuation of biases and discrimination within technological systems. This can further marginalize already disadvantaged communities, reinforcing their exclusion from the social, economic, and political spheres facilitated by media and technology.
• Describe how the concept of intersectionality relates to the marginalization of racial, ethnic, and minority groups (11.1 Racial, Ethnic, and Minority Groups)
  • The concept of intersectionality highlights how multiple, intersecting social identities and systems of oppression can compound the marginalization experienced by certain racial, ethnic, and minority groups. For example, a woman of color may face discrimination and barriers due to both her gender and her racial/ethnic identity, leading to a unique and compounded form of marginalization. Understanding intersectionality is crucial for addressing the complex and multifaceted nature of marginalization faced by these groups.
• Evaluate how the marginalization of certain groups can impact their ability to participate in and influence the social, economic, and political systems within a society
  • The marginalization of individuals and groups can severely limit their ability to meaningfully participate in and influence the social, economic, and political systems that shape their lives. Marginalized communities often face barriers to accessing education, healthcare, employment, and other essential resources, which can perpetuate a cycle of disadvantage and make it challenging for them to actively engage in and shape the decision-making processes that affect them. This lack of representation and voice can further entrench the power imbalances and structural inequalities that underlie marginalization, making it a complex and deeply-rooted issue that requires comprehensive, systemic solutions.

Related terms

Social Exclusion: The dynamic process of being shut out from any of the social, economic, political, or cultural systems that determine the social integration of a person in society.

Structural Inequality: The systemic disparities in access to opportunities, resources, and power that are embedded in the social, economic, and political structures of a society.

Intersectionality: The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender, which create overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage.