Analyzing Oppression

by Ann E. Cudd

Analyzing Oppression presents a new, integrated theory of social oppression, which tackles the fundamental question that no theory of oppression has satisfactorily if there is no natural hierarchy among humans, why are some cases of oppression so persistent? Cudd argues that the explanation lies in the coercive co-opting of the oppressed to join in their own oppression. This answer sets the stage for analysis throughout the book, as it explores the questions of how and why the oppressed join in their oppression. Cudd argues that oppression is an institutionally structured harm perpetrated on social groups by other groups using direct and indirect material, economic, and psychological force. Among the most important and insidious of the indirect forces is an economic force that operates through oppressed persons' own rational choices. This force constitutes the central feature of analysis, and the book argues that this force is especially insidious because it conceals
the fact of oppression from the oppressed and from others who would be sympathetic to their plight. The oppressed come to believe that they suffer personal failings and this belief appears to absolve society from responsibility.
While on Cudd's view oppression is grounded in material exploitation and physical deprivation, it cannot be long sustained without corresponding psychological forces. Cudd examines the direct and indirect psychological forces that generate and sustain oppression. She discusses strategies that groups have used to resist oppression and argues that all persons have a moral responsibility to resist in some way. In the concluding chapter Cudd proposes a concept of freedom that would be possible for humans in a world that is actively opposing oppression, arguing that freedom for each individual is only possible when we achieve freedom for all others.

Genres: Philosophy, Feminism, Sociology, Politics, Political Science, Gender Studies

278 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Casper Valentine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oppressors writing books on oppression will forever be tragically hilarious. Divest.

[Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a more challenging read because it is written for a more philosophical mind than my own. It was filled with compelling arguments on why oppression exists, what constitutes oppression, and hopefully how one can engage in the process of breaking down barriers of oppression.