The Psychology of Oppression

by E.J.R. David, Annie O. Derthick

Written in an engaging and relatable manner, this book reviews the psychological theories and research on the topic of oppression―its evolution, its various forms, and its consequences. Painful historical examples and modern-day occurrences of oppression including mass incarceration, LGBTQ and transgender issues, police brutality, immigration reform, anti-Muslim sentiments, and systemic racism are explored. How oppression exists and operates on various levels, the mental and behavioral health consequences of oppression, and promising clinical and community programs to eradicate oppression are reviewed. The authors hope that by providing readers with a basic understanding of oppression, it will motivate them to combat bias to create a more just, harmonious, and healthy world. Highlights Ideal as a text in upper-level undergraduate and beginning graduate courses on oppression, prejudice and discrimination, race relations, ethnic studies, ethnic and racial minorities, multicultural or cross-cultural psychology, multicultural counseling, diversity, women’s studies, LGBTQ studies, disability studies, and social justice taught in psychology, social work, and counseling. Behavioral and mental health providers in both clinical and community contexts will also appreciate this book.

Genres: Psychology, Mental Health

216 pages, Paperback

Published October 26, 2017

Reviews

[earthshattering · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a little tough to read this book, just because one is rarely in the mood to read about a cheery subject such as oppression, but it’s important. This book contains a lot of definitions, which is great. If there is one thing I will take away, it’s that oppression has two p’s, power and privilege. In order to meet the definition of oppression, the group in question is not a group with power and privilege. This is a great counterpoint to those who argue that white men are being oppressed. No they are not, because they have historically have had, and continue to have, nearly all the power and privilege (societal norms, highest salaries, the most wealth, the most leadership positions) in society. It is just a tactic to deny the oppression that others experience. Same with blue lives matter. The police have the obvious power (weapons, the full force of the law, the institution of public safety) behind them, and they are not, by definition, experiencing oppression.

The authors also talk about internalized oppression, which is very dangerous and extremely common. This is when the oppressed blame themselves or question themselves because they are experiencing oppression. I would guess this is responsible for many of the mental health issues of margjnalized people.

They include a quote “it is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society” - Jiddu Krishnamurti. Indeed, it is not. Better to learn about the sickness and address it in our own way.