Internalized Oppression: The Psychology of Marginalized Groups

by E.J.R. David (Editor)

The oppression of various groups has taken place throughout human history. People are stereotyped, discriminated against, and treated unjustly simply because of their social group membership. But what does it look like when the oppression that people face from the outside gets under their skin? Long overdue, this is the first book to highlight the universality of internalized oppression across marginalized groups in the United States from a mental health perspective. It focuses on the psychological manifestations and mental health implications of internalized oppression for a variety of groups. The book provides insight into the ways in which internalized oppression influences the thoughts, attitudes, feelings, and behaviors of the oppressed toward themselves, other members of their group, and members of the dominant group. It also considers promising clinical and community programs that are currently addressing internalized oppression among specific groups.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Race, Counselling, Social Justice, Research

328 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Paolo Arimado · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book personally had a deeply significant impact on me. As a gay Filipino I now have words and a frame work to navigate my personal internalised colonisation, heterosexism and racism. Thank you to all who contributed to this.

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A worth-reading book that dissects internalized oppression for marginalized groups from various perspectives (indigenous peoples, racial minorities, women, LGBTQ+, and disability). I found the chapters on Asian American community and women especially relatable and thought-provoking, and gave me some comfort and clarity - in the past few years I had been quite frustrated when facing denial of racism from people of color as well as denial of misogyny from women. No doubt internalized racism/sexism is widespread and we suffer from it. But internalized oppression is not something you're born with - you learn it from the environment. Awareness is the first step to dismantle oppression.

I'm giving the book 3 stars because I found the writing very dry, but it doesn't negate its values. And I hope there will be more research on internalized oppression in the near future.

[Danielle Mebert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting ideas, but pretty boring on the whole.

[Mills College Library]

305 I61217 2013