Othering

Definition

Othering is the process of perceiving or portraying a group of people as fundamentally different or alien to oneself, often leading to their marginalization and exclusion. This concept is crucial in understanding how societies construct identities and hierarchies, frequently positioning certain groups as 'the other' based on factors like race, ethnicity, culture, or social class.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Othering is frequently used in literature and cultural studies to analyze how characters or groups are depicted as outsiders or enemies to highlight societal norms.
2. The concept is often connected to power dynamics, where those in positions of authority can define who belongs and who is excluded from a community.
3. In colonial contexts, othering served to justify imperial dominance by portraying colonized peoples as savage or uncivilized compared to the colonizers.
4. Postcolonial readings of literature often reveal how othering affects characters’ identities and relationships, reflecting broader societal attitudes.
5. The process of othering can create stereotypes that perpetuate discrimination and social divisions, impacting real-world interactions among different groups.

Review Questions

• How does othering manifest in literature, and what are its implications for character development?
  • Othering in literature often appears through the portrayal of certain characters as fundamentally different from the protagonist or dominant group. This can create tension and conflict within the narrative while also reflecting real-world societal attitudes. The implications for character development are significant; characters depicted as 'other' may be deprived of agency or depth, serving mainly as foils to highlight the protagonist’s virtues or struggles.
• Analyze how the concept of othering relates to colonialism and postcolonialism in shaping identities.
  • Othering is closely linked to colonialism, where colonizers often depicted indigenous peoples as inferior or uncivilized to justify their domination. This portrayal not only facilitated the colonial enterprise but also established a framework for identity construction that persisted into postcolonial contexts. In postcolonial studies, examining how identities are formed in response to othering reveals the complexities of cultural reclamation and resistance against stereotypes imposed by colonial narratives.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of othering on contemporary society's understanding of identity and community.
  • The long-term effects of othering are evident in contemporary society, influencing how communities perceive inclusion and belonging. As identities become more fragmented due to globalization and migration, othering can exacerbate tensions between groups, leading to polarization. By evaluating these dynamics, we can understand that addressing issues of othering is crucial for fostering dialogue and mutual respect in increasingly diverse societies.

Related terms

Colonialism: The practice of acquiring and maintaining control over a territory and its people, often involving exploitation and the establishment of a foreign dominance.

Postcolonialism: An academic field that examines the cultural, political, and social impacts of colonialism and the ongoing effects it has on former colonies.

Identity Politics: Political positions based on the interests and perspectives of social groups with which people identify, often emphasizing the importance of race, gender, or sexual orientation.