Cycle of Oppression and Socialization (Vocabulary Flashcards)

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering oppression, socialization, identity, and intersectionality topics from the lecture.

Oppression

Systemic, learned, and reinforced inequalities that privilege some groups over others; maintained through socialization, institutions, and culture and can be challenged or resisted.

Socialization

Lifelong process of learning the norms, values, behaviors, and beliefs of a society from family, peers, schools, media, and other influences.

Primary Socialization

First stage of socialization, typically by family and caregivers, shaping self-concept, norms, expectations, and basic worldview.

Institutional Socialization

Socialization that occurs through formal institutions like schools, workplaces, laws, and policies, enforcing norms and power structures.

Cultural Socialization

Transmission of a culture’s beliefs, holidays, traditions, and practices that shape worldviews and identities.

Cycle of Oppression

The pattern by which oppression is learned, reinforced, internalized, and reproduced, creating a persistent system until resistance or change occurs.

Internalization

Process of turning external norms and beliefs into one’s own internal self-concept and worldview.

Microaggression

Subtle, often unintentional remarks or actions that demean or marginalize individuals or groups, accumulating to harm.

Microassault

Overt, explicit discriminatory actions or language intended to hurt or devalue a target.

Microinsult

Subtle, often unconscious remarks that convey rudeness or demeaning attitudes toward someone’s identity.

Microinvalidations

Statements or actions that negate or dismiss the experiences of marginalized people.

Privilege

Unearned advantages or rights granted by one’s social identities, often invisible to those who have them.

White Privilege

Systemic advantages enjoyed by White people in society, affecting treatment, access, and outcomes.

Male Privilege

Social advantages accorded to men, including norms around authority and leadership.

Dominant Group

Group with power and privilege that sets norms, controls resources, and defines “normal” for society.

Subordinate Group

Groups lacking power; experience oppression and must navigate dominance for survival.

Intersectionality

The interconnection of social identities (race, gender, class, sexuality, ability, etc.) that create overlapping systems of oppression or privilege.

Identity Formation

Lifelong process of developing a coherent sense of self influenced by culture, family, peers, and society.

I Am Exercise

Class activity prompting individuals to describe themselves with 'I am' statements to reveal multiple identities.

Stereotyping

Attributing generalized traits to all members of a group, often oversimplifying or mischaracterizing individuals.

Naming and Label Reclamation

Process of reclaiming or changing labels used by dominant groups (e.g., Black, African American) to assert identity and empowerment.

Colonized Minorities

Minority groups whose presence in the U.S. is involuntary and historically subjected to systemic inequality.

Immigrant Minorities

Minority groups whose presence in the U.S. is through immigration, with experiences shaped by class and immigrant status.