Marginalization

Definition:

“Marginalized populations are groups and communities that experience discrimination and exclusion (social, political and economic) because of unequal power relationships across economic, political, social and cultural dimensions.” - Glossary of Health Equity Terms

“Marginalization, as we currently define it, is the act of relegating someone to an unimportant or powerless position—making them feel, if you will, like they’re the notes squeezed into the margins of society. Scrawled. Practically unreadable. Small.”  In Her Sight“

Examples:

1. Assuming someone got where they are only because they “check a diversity box”

2. Finding ways to isolate someone, like purposefully leaving them out of meetings

3. Assuming someone will act a certain way based on stereotypes about their identity (aspects such as race, gender, sexuality, etc.)” In Her Sight

Sources: 

Glossary of Health Equity Terms

What Is Marginalization & What Can You Do About It? | InHerSight 2019

Resources: 

What Is Marginalization & What Can You Do About It? | InHerSight 2019

Microaggressions

Definition:

“Microaggressions are defined as the everyday, subtle, intentional — and oftentimes unintentional — interactions or behaviors that communicate some sort of bias toward historically marginalized groups.

The difference between microaggressions and overt discrimination or macroaggressions, is that people who commit microaggressions might not even be aware of them.” -Kevin Nadal

Some people hear or are subject to many microaggressions every day which can be exhausting at best and devastating at worst.  Everyone , white people in particular, should educate themselves to prevent the harm microaggressions can cause.

Examples:

1. You are so articulate. (It implies that you weren’t expecting them to be articulate)

2. I can’t tell you are transgender. (Say nothing)

3. Where are you from? (This implies that they are “other”  and do not really belong.  When in fact, we are all settlers except for Indigenous people.)

Sources: 

Microaggressions are a big deal: How to talk them out and when to walk away Life Kit 2020

Resources: 

What is a microaggression? 14 things people think are fine to say at work — but are actually racist, sexist, or offensive

Examples of Racial Microaggressions

You Can't Ask That Seasons | Accessible Media Inc.

Misogyny

Definition:

“Misogyny isn’t just hatred of women. It can also include aspects of prejudice, fear, and grandiosity — and it doesn’t always involve men.  Misogyny can be an extreme form of sexism. Misogyny is an attitude and a belief that may involve complex underlying factors such as core belief systems, cultural norms, and childhood experiences.. If you’re exposed to misogyny in your household as a child, you may grow up thinking this is how you’re expected to behave as an adult. “ What Does Misogyny Mean

Sources: 

What Does Misogyny Mean in Simple Terms?2022

Resources: 

Canadian Women's Foundation