Othering
Othering is a social and psychological process through which individuals or
groups are defined as fundamentally different, inferior or separate from a
perceived dominant or "normal" group. This process creates distinctions between
"us" and "them", often resulting in exclusion, discrimination and unequal access
to power and resources. Othering reinforces social divisions by portraying certain
groups as outsiders whose identities, cultures or experiences are viewed as
abnormal, less valuable or threatening. Within social work, understanding
othering is essential because practitioners have a professional responsibility to
challenge discrimination, promote inclusion and recognise the dignity and rights
of every individual (Thompson, 2020).
The concept of othering has its roots in philosophy, sociology, postcolonial theory
and feminist theory. One of the earliest discussions was provided by philosopher
Simone de Beauvoir, who argued in The Second Sex that women had historically
been constructed as the "Other" in relation to men, who were viewed as the
social norm. De Beauvoir suggested that dominant groups often define
themselves by positioning others as different or subordinate, thereby
maintaining unequal power relationships (de Beauvoir, 1949/2011).
The concept was further developed by postcolonial scholar Edward Said through
his theory of Orientalism. Said argued that Western societies historically
represented Eastern cultures as exotic, irrational or inferior, reinforcing colonial
power and justifying unequal treatment. He demonstrated that othering is not
simply an individual attitude but a broader social process embedded within
language, institutions, education, media and political systems. These ideas have
since been applied to many forms of discrimination, including racism, ableism,
sexism, homophobia and ageism (Said, 1978).
Othering operates through stereotypes, prejudice and unequal power
relationships. Individuals may be categorised according to characteristics such
as ethnicity, religion, disability, gender, sexuality, age or immigration status,
with assumptions made about their abilities, values or behaviour. Over time,
these stereotypes can become embedded within organisational practices and
social institutions, contributing to structural inequalities and limiting
opportunities for marginalised groups. Othering therefore influences not only
interpersonal relationships but also access to healthcare, education, housing,
employment and social care.
Othering is a social and psychological process through which individuals or
groups are defined as fundamentally different, inferior or separate from a
perceived dominant or "normal" group. This process creates distinctions between
"us" and "them", often resulting in exclusion, discrimination and unequal access
to power and resources. Othering reinforces social divisions by portraying certain
groups as outsiders whose identities, cultures or experiences are viewed as
abnormal, less valuable or threatening. Within social work, understanding
othering is essential because practitioners have a professional responsibility to
challenge discrimination, promote inclusion and recognise the dignity and rights
of every individual (Thompson, 2020).
The concept of othering has its roots in philosophy, sociology, postcolonial theory
and feminist theory. One of the earliest discussions was provided by philosopher
Simone de Beauvoir, who argued in The Second Sex that women had historically
been constructed as the "Other" in relation to men, who were viewed as the
social norm. De Beauvoir suggested that dominant groups often define
themselves by positioning others as different or subordinate, thereby
maintaining unequal power relationships (de Beauvoir, 1949/2011).
The concept was further developed by postcolonial scholar Edward Said through
his theory of Orientalism. Said argued that Western societies historically
represented Eastern cultures as exotic, irrational or inferior, reinforcing colonial
power and justifying unequal treatment. He demonstrated that othering is not
simply an individual attitude but a broader social process embedded within
language, institutions, education, media and political systems. These ideas have
since been applied to many forms of discrimination, including racism, ableism,
sexism, homophobia and ageism (Said, 1978).
Othering operates through stereotypes, prejudice and unequal power
relationships. Individuals may be categorised according to characteristics such
as ethnicity, religion, disability, gender, sexuality, age or immigration status,
with assumptions made about their abilities, values or behaviour. Over time,
these stereotypes can become embedded within organisational practices and
social institutions, contributing to structural inequalities and limiting
opportunities for marginalised groups. Othering therefore influences not only
interpersonal relationships but also access to healthcare, education, housing,
employment and social care.
