Social Oppression Dynamics

Oppression is the control over a group of people by a dominant group of people. This control extends beyond mere physical dominance; it involves a stranglehold over power and resources that can have long-lasting repercussions on the less dominant group. For instance, African Americans continue to suffer from the effects of historical oppression through slavery, segregation, and mass incarceration, issues that originated centuries ago. Oppression is a multifaceted phenomenon, comparable to an onion with many layers, each representing a different form of injustice.

These layers include Distribution Injustice, Procedural Injustice, Retributive Injustice, Moral Exclusion, and Cultural Imperialism.

Distribution capital is perhaps the most comprehensive type of oppression. Within this category, four subtypes exist. Consumption Capital, often equated with the standard of living, is one such subtype. Morton Deutsch observes that, in industrial societies, this is closely tied to income and encompasses essential resources such as food, water, housing, healthcare, education, and more. The disparities in income and standard of living among nations, ethnic groups, and genders highlight Distribution Injustice. Investment Capital refers to the wealth individuals use to generate more wealth for themselves and their families, a resource that is significantly unequally distributed. Skill Capital emphasizes the value of education and credentials, which are often inaccessible to marginalized communities. Social Capital, on the other hand, involves networks and connections, which are often skewed by factors like ethnicity, gender, or religion.

Forms of Injustice

Procedural Injustice pertains to the fairness of processes and procedures. People generally accept unfavorable outcomes if the processes leading to them are perceived as just, unbiased, and relevant. An example of Procedural Injustice would be a biased jury selection in a case involving abortion, where jurors with strong anti-abortion views could unfairly sway the verdict. Retributive Injustice involves authority figures holding biased attitudes towards certain groups, as illustrated in the film "The Hate U Give," where a police officer's response to a white suspect differs from their response to a black suspect.

Moral Exclusion is a dangerous form of oppression where dominant groups view themselves as superior to others, leading to extreme outcomes such as the Holocaust. Cultural Imperialism forces individuals from different cultures to conform to the dominant group's norms, often resulting in internalized stereotypes and negative self-perceptions. Discrimination, specific treatment based on class or group membership, further compounds oppression. For immigrants, particularly those of Hispanic descent, discrimination can manifest in wrongful treatment or denial of resources based on physical characteristics.

Impact on Immigrants

The vulnerable population of immigrants, especially those of Hispanic descent and their children, often bear the brunt of these oppressive structures. Reflecting on personal experiences, instances of discrimination based on appearance, origin, or language leave lasting scars, especially when they occur during formative years. The disparity in experiences between immigrants and their Caucasian peers highlights the systemic nature of discrimination.

As a mother of two Hispanic/African American boys, the reality of discrimination necessitates early discussions about interacting with authority figures, a conversation likely unique to vulnerable populations. The pursuit of the American Dream, a belief deeply ingrained in Hispanic culture, often meets the harsh reality of discrimination and moral exclusion. Despite laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on national origin, race, or religion, the layers of oppression persist in society.

Educational Challenges

In education, immigrant children face significant challenges. Schools with predominantly Hispanic and minority students often have fewer resources and lower-quality teaching, contributing to high dropout rates. For example, the negative experiences of my siblings, who dropped out of high school due to language barriers and bullying, illustrate the systemic challenges faced by immigrant students.

This systemic discrimination extends into adulthood, as seen in the case of my brother, who struggles with communication and employment due to language barriers. These challenges highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to education that values diversity and provides resources to support non-English speaking students.

Theory and Change

To address these issues, an Anti-Oppression approach utilizing Conflict Theory is essential. This theory emphasizes the impact of power structures on people's lives and the competition for limited resources. It highlights the need to break the cycle of oppression by creating opportunities for marginalized groups. Programs that support language acquisition and education can empower immigrants and facilitate social change.

Furthermore, the Contingency Theory underscores the need for systemic changes that promote advancement and progress for all groups. Empowering individuals through education and resource access can lead to social change and reduce the impact of oppression. As a social worker, I am committed to advocating for vulnerable populations and working towards ending oppression and discrimination through education, empowerment, and community engagement.

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