Institutionalized oppression functions to systematically exploit one social group to benefit another social group through policies, traditions, and norms. Institutionalized oppression differs from individual prejudice or discrimination in that one group's prejudice is supported by institutional, social, and historical power.
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Social justice encompasses diversity (the presence of difference) and multiculturalism (inclusion of a multiplicity of cultures).
"The goal of social justice education is full and equal participation of all groups in a society that is mutually shaped to meet their needs.
Social justice includes a vision of society that is equitable and all members are physically and psychologically safe and secure."
This guide will help you find library resources on social justice.
Adams, M., Bell, L.A., & Griffin, P. (2007). Teaching for diversity & social justice (Second edition). Routledge. Image source: Unknown.
Privileges are unearned, unasked for, often invisible benefits and advantages not available to members of minoritized groups. Rather, these advantages are socially constructed to benefit the members of dominant groups.
Intersectionality is a concept that describes the ways in which social identities are interconnected and cannot be examined separately from one another in relation to oppressive institutions.
To consider intersecting social identities and their connection to privileged or targeted social groups see Intersecting Axes of Privilege, Domination, and Oppression.*
*Adapted from Kathryn Pauly Morgan, "Describing the Emperor's New Clothes: Three Myths of Educational (In)Equality."
The Gender Question in Education: Theory, Pedagogy, & Politics, Ann Diller et al., Boulder CO: Westview, 1996.
