Dehumanisation
Dehumanisation is a psychological and social process in which individuals or
groups are perceived and treated as less than fully human. This process involves
denying people qualities that are considered uniquely human, such as
individuality, dignity, empathy, rationality and moral worth. When individuals are
dehumanised, they may be viewed as objects, animals, problems or threats
rather than as people deserving of compassion and respect. Dehumanisation can
occur at both an interpersonal and structural level and has been linked to
prejudice, discrimination, violence and social exclusion. Within social work,
understanding dehumanisation is essential because it highlights how negative
attitudes, stereotypes and unequal power relationships can undermine people's
rights, wellbeing and access to support (Haslam, 2006).
The concept of dehumanisation has been explored across psychology, sociology
and philosophy for many decades. Early work by philosophers such as Hannah
Arendt examined how bureaucratic systems and unquestioning obedience could
contribute to the mistreatment of individuals by reducing them to categories
rather than recognising their humanity. Later psychological research developed
more detailed explanations of how dehumanisation influences attitudes and
behaviour. Nick Haslam proposed one of the most influential theories, identifying
two forms of dehumanisation. Animalistic dehumanisation occurs when people
are denied characteristics that distinguish humans from animals, such as
morality, self-control and civility. Mechanistic dehumanisation occurs when
individuals are viewed as emotionless, interchangeable or machine-like, lacking
warmth, individuality and personal identity (Haslam, 2006).
Research has demonstrated that dehumanisation often develops through
stereotypes, prejudice and unequal power relationships. Individuals who are
perceived as belonging to an out-group may be described using language that
portrays them as dangerous, inferior or undeserving. Such perceptions can
reduce empathy and increase acceptance of discrimination or harmful treatment.
Dehumanisation has been identified in historical events such as genocide,
slavery and institutional abuse, but it also occurs in everyday settings through
stigma, discrimination and social exclusion. People experiencing homelessness,
severe mental illness, substance misuse or involvement with the criminal justice
system are among those who may experience dehumanising attitudes within
society (Haslam & Loughnan, 2014).
Dehumanisation is a psychological and social process in which individuals or
groups are perceived and treated as less than fully human. This process involves
denying people qualities that are considered uniquely human, such as
individuality, dignity, empathy, rationality and moral worth. When individuals are
dehumanised, they may be viewed as objects, animals, problems or threats
rather than as people deserving of compassion and respect. Dehumanisation can
occur at both an interpersonal and structural level and has been linked to
prejudice, discrimination, violence and social exclusion. Within social work,
understanding dehumanisation is essential because it highlights how negative
attitudes, stereotypes and unequal power relationships can undermine people's
rights, wellbeing and access to support (Haslam, 2006).
The concept of dehumanisation has been explored across psychology, sociology
and philosophy for many decades. Early work by philosophers such as Hannah
Arendt examined how bureaucratic systems and unquestioning obedience could
contribute to the mistreatment of individuals by reducing them to categories
rather than recognising their humanity. Later psychological research developed
more detailed explanations of how dehumanisation influences attitudes and
behaviour. Nick Haslam proposed one of the most influential theories, identifying
two forms of dehumanisation. Animalistic dehumanisation occurs when people
are denied characteristics that distinguish humans from animals, such as
morality, self-control and civility. Mechanistic dehumanisation occurs when
individuals are viewed as emotionless, interchangeable or machine-like, lacking
warmth, individuality and personal identity (Haslam, 2006).
Research has demonstrated that dehumanisation often develops through
stereotypes, prejudice and unequal power relationships. Individuals who are
perceived as belonging to an out-group may be described using language that
portrays them as dangerous, inferior or undeserving. Such perceptions can
reduce empathy and increase acceptance of discrimination or harmful treatment.
Dehumanisation has been identified in historical events such as genocide,
slavery and institutional abuse, but it also occurs in everyday settings through
stigma, discrimination and social exclusion. People experiencing homelessness,
severe mental illness, substance misuse or involvement with the criminal justice
system are among those who may experience dehumanising attitudes within
society (Haslam & Loughnan, 2014).
