In the field of psychology and social sciences, it is essential to understand the differences between discrimination, exclusion and oppression. These concepts are closely related to social inequality and injustice, and their understanding is crucial to address and combat problems of discrimination and marginalization in society.
Differences between discrimination, exclusion and oppression
1. Discrimination
Discrimination refers to the act of treating certain people unequally or unfairly because of specific characteristics, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disability. This differentiation and unequal treatment can manifest in various contexts, such as access to employment, educational or service opportunities, housing, medical care, among others.
In social psychology, discrimination is understood as a process in which people are categorized based on certain characteristics and negative stereotypes or prejudices are attributed to them, leading to discriminatory behavior. This discrimination can be explicit, as in the case of overt acts of discrimination, or implicit, when they occur unconsciously or automatically.
2. Exclusion
Social exclusion refers to the situation in which certain groups or individuals are marginalized or maintain limited access to the resources and opportunities available to the rest of society. Exclusion can be both social and economic, and can manifest itself in the lack of access to education, work, housing, health, political participation and social integration.
In psychological terms, exclusion Exclusion can have devastating effects on the self-esteem, identity and emotional well-being of people who experience it. Social exclusion can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem, which in turn can perpetuate a cycle of marginalization and inequality.
3. Oppression
Oppression refers to the systematic domination and control that one group exercises over another, limiting their freedoms, rights and opportunities. Oppression implies an unequal power relationship in which a privileged group or system exercises its authority over another group considered "inferior" or "different".
In the field of psychology, Oppression is analyzed from a critical perspective that examines how power structures and social relations contribute to marginalization and inequality. Oppression can manifest itself in the form of institutionalized discrimination, negative stereotypes, discriminatory policies, and structural violence that perpetuate the subordination of certain groups.
In short, while discrimination focuses on treating people unequally Due to specific characteristics, exclusion involves marginalizing certain groups or individuals from the resources and opportunities available to the rest of society, and oppression refers to the systematic domination and control that one group exercises over another. Understanding these differences is essential to effectively address problems of inequality, injustice and discrimination in today's society.