Diversity, Privilege, and Oppression

Abstract This chapter focuses on diversity, privilege, and oppression. Recognizing diversity is about acknowledging the differences among people without using them as the basis of discrimination, marginalization, or oppression. The chapter explains how privileges are benefits that accrue to certain members of society. On the other hand, oppression involves creating systems and institutions that allow dominant groups to exert control over other groups by withholding resources and benefits and violating human rights. According to Iris Marion Young, the five types of oppression are exploitation, marginalization, cultural imperialism, powerlessness, and violence. The chapter highlights how social workers strive to develop situations that enhance a sense of belonging in an effort to diminish the notion of othering.