Othering is the process by which an individual or group is viewed or treated as fundamentally different, strange, or foreign in comparison to a perceived 'normal' or dominant group. It involves the construction of an 'other' who is seen as different, inferior, or threatening to the dominant group's identity or interests.
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Othering is a key concept in understanding the relationship between colonialism and anthropology, as the discipline has historically been implicated in the process of constructing the 'other' as a subject of study and control.
The practice of othering can lead to the perpetuation of power imbalances, social exclusion, and the denial of rights and opportunities to marginalized groups.
Othering often involves the projection of negative or undesirable characteristics onto the 'other,' reinforcing a sense of superiority and justifying differential treatment or exploitation.
Anthropologists have been criticized for their role in perpetuating othering through the objectification and exoticization of non-Western cultures, which can contribute to the maintenance of colonial power structures.
Challenging and dismantling the process of othering is a key goal of critical and decolonial approaches in anthropology, which seek to center the perspectives and experiences of marginalized communities.
Review Questions
Explain how the process of othering has been linked to the historical relationship between colonialism and anthropology.
The practice of othering has been deeply intertwined with the colonial project and the development of anthropology as a discipline. Anthropologists have been criticized for their role in constructing and perpetuating the 'other' as a subject of study and control, often through the objectification and exoticization of non-Western cultures. This process has contributed to the maintenance of power imbalances and the marginalization of indigenous and minority communities, as the dominant group asserts its perceived superiority and justifies differential treatment or exploitation of the 'other.'
Analyze how the process of othering can lead to the perpetuation of social exclusion and the denial of rights and opportunities for marginalized groups.
The process of othering involves the construction of an 'other' who is perceived as fundamentally different, strange, or threatening to the dominant group's identity or interests. This can lead to the marginalization of individuals or groups, as they are pushed to the edge of society and denied full participation or access to resources and opportunities. Othering often involves the projection of negative or undesirable characteristics onto the 'other,' reinforcing a sense of superiority and justifying differential treatment or exploitation. This can contribute to the perpetuation of power imbalances, social exclusion, and the denial of basic rights and opportunities for marginalized communities.
Evaluate the role of critical and decolonial approaches in anthropology in challenging and dismantling the process of othering.
Critical and decolonial approaches in anthropology have sought to challenge and dismantle the process of othering, which has been a key feature of the discipline's historical relationship with colonialism. These approaches aim to center the perspectives and experiences of marginalized communities, rather than perpetuating the objectification and exoticization of non-Western cultures. By recognizing the ways in which othering has contributed to the maintenance of power imbalances and the denial of rights and opportunities for marginalized groups, critical and decolonial anthropologists work to deconstruct the dominant narratives and practices that have historically reinforced the 'other.' This involves a commitment to reflexivity, the amplification of marginalized voices, and the transformation of anthropological knowledge production to be more inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs and experiences of diverse communities.
The process by which individuals or groups are pushed to the edge of society and denied full participation or access to resources and opportunities.
Dehumanization: The psychological process of perceiving and treating people as less than human, often used to justify exploitation, oppression, or violence.