Othering

Definition

Othering is the process of perceiving or portraying a person or group as fundamentally different from oneself or one's own group, often leading to marginalization and exclusion. This concept plays a critical role in understanding identity formation, power dynamics, and social hierarchies, as it can reinforce stereotypes and dehumanize those considered 'the other'. It highlights how cultural differences are often exaggerated, fostering division and conflict within societies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Othering often occurs in media representations where certain groups are portrayed negatively or as threats, reinforcing societal prejudices.
2. This concept is significant in postcolonial theory as it illustrates how colonial powers constructed identities based on difference to justify domination.
3. Othering can lead to systemic discrimination and social exclusion, affecting various aspects of life, including politics, economics, and culture.
4. It fosters an 'us versus them' mentality, which can escalate tensions between different social groups and hinder dialogue.
5. By examining the process of othering, scholars can reveal underlying power structures that perpetuate inequality and challenge dominant narratives.

Review Questions

• How does othering contribute to the formation of social identities within a society?
  • Othering shapes social identities by creating clear distinctions between 'us' and 'them', which in turn influences how groups perceive themselves and each other. When one group defines itself in opposition to another perceived as different or inferior, it solidifies its own identity while marginalizing the other. This dynamic can lead to reinforced stereotypes and promote exclusionary practices that affect social cohesion.
• Discuss the impact of othering on the representation of marginalized communities in media.
  • Othering significantly impacts how marginalized communities are represented in media by often portraying them through negative stereotypes or as threats. This can lead to dehumanization, making it easier for audiences to accept discriminatory policies or behaviors against these groups. By failing to present nuanced portrayals that acknowledge their complexity, media perpetuates existing prejudices and hinders understanding between different cultural groups.
• Evaluate how the concept of othering is connected to postcolonial theory and its critique of colonial narratives.
  • Othering is central to postcolonial theory as it critically examines how colonial powers constructed identities based on difference to justify their dominance. By portraying colonized peoples as 'the other', colonizers were able to rationalize exploitation and violence while establishing a narrative that positioned themselves as superior. Postcolonial scholars challenge these narratives by revealing how they persist in contemporary discourses and how they shape power relations even after formal colonialism has ended.

Related terms

Orientalism:

A term coined by Edward Said that describes the way Western cultures depict Eastern societies as exotic, backward, and uncivilized, reinforcing colonial attitudes.

Colonialism: The practice of acquiring control over another country or territory, often through force, exploiting its resources and people, leading to the othering of colonized populations.

Hybridity: The concept that refers to the mixing of cultures and identities, often resulting from colonial encounters, challenging strict binaries of 'self' and 'other'.