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Terms: Marginalization, Micro-aggressions, Misogony
Marginalization
Definition:
“Marginalized populations are groups and communities that experience discrimination and exclusion (social, political and economic) because of unequal power relationships across economic, political, social and cultural dimensions.” - Glossary of Health Equity Terms
“Marginalization, as we currently define it, is the act of relegating someone to an unimportant or powerless position—making them feel, if you will, like they’re the notes squeezed into the margins of society. Scrawled. Practically unreadable. Small.” In Her Sight“
Examples:
Assuming someone got where they are only because they “check a diversity box”
Finding ways to isolate someone, like purposefully leaving them out of meetings
Assuming someone will act a certain way based on stereotypes about their identity (aspects such as race, gender, sexuality, etc.)” In Her Sight
Sources:
Glossary of Health Equity Terms
What Is Marginalization & What Can You Do About It? | InHerSight 2019
Resources:
What Is Marginalization & What Can You Do About It? | InHerSight 2019
Microaggressions
Definition:
“Microaggressions are defined as the everyday, subtle, intentional — and oftentimes unintentional — interactions or behaviors that communicate some sort of bias toward historically marginalized groups.
The difference between microaggressions and overt discrimination or macroaggressions, is that people who commit microaggressions might not even be aware of them.” -Kevin Nadal
Some people hear or are subject to many microaggressions every day which can be exhausting at best and devastating at worst. Everyone , white people in particular, should educate themselves to prevent the harm microaggressions can cause.
Examples:
You are so articulate. (It implies that you weren’t expecting them to be articulate)
I can’t tell you are transgender. (Say nothing)
Where are you from? (This implies that they are “other” and do not really belong. When in fact, we are all settlers except for Indigenous people.)
Sources:
Microaggressions are a big deal: How to talk them out and when to walk away Life Kit 2020
Resources:
Examples of Racial Microaggressions
You Can't Ask That Seasons | Accessible Media Inc.
Misogyny
Phonetic Pronunciation: muh-saa-juh-nee
Definition:
The Cambridge Dictionary defines misogyny as “feelings of hating women, or the belief that men are much better than women.” This captures the emotional and ideological core of misogyny, which encompasses both outright hatred and a belief in the inherent superiority of men over women. (1) (5)
History:
Misogyny in the West can trace its origins to around the eighth century BC, particularly in the eastern Mediterranean region. During this period, creation myths such as those in Greek and Judaean traditions emerged, presenting women as the cause of human suffering. In the Jewish tradition, the myth of Eve in the Garden of Eden portrays her as the one who leads humanity into sin, resulting in death and misery. Similarly, the Greek myth of Pandora describes how her curiosity, symbolized by the opening of the jar, unleashes all the evils of the world. These foundational myths contributed to the pervasive belief that women were inherently flawed and responsible for human suffering, which became deeply embedded in Western culture and thought. (4)
The Greeks hold a significant place in the history of misogyny, particularly through the myth of Pandora, written by Hesiod in the eighth century BC. In Hesiod's works, Theogony and Works and Days, the race of men exists before the arrival of women, living in blissful autonomy. Women are introduced as an afterthought and are depicted as malicious and disruptive. This early Greek conception of women, especially embodied in the myth of Pandora, established a cultural narrative that associated women with evil and downfall, which has endured in various forms over centuries, even in the rise of rationalism and scientific thought. (3)
In the 20th and 21st centuries, literary scholars have examined misogyny, often in elite texts, but their studies generally focus on its cultural expression rather than its impact on women's lived experiences. Misogyny is frequently treated as a topos (a common theme or motif) in literature, something symbolic or abstract, detached from its real-world implications. Literary scholars like Linda Woodbridge have acknowledged that misogynistic ideas can intimidate or inspire action, but few have explored in depth how these ideas manifest in daily life or how they affect women's experiences in concrete ways. (3)
Current Usage:
Today, misogyny is increasingly recognized as a deeply ingrained societal issue, not just a personal or individual problem. It manifests in overt and subtle ways, from violence and discrimination to microaggressions and biases in the workplace and media. Feminist movements and social justice organizations continue to challenge and resist misogyny in various forms, demanding equal treatment for women and a more just and inclusive society. (2)
Example:
In the 1960s and beyond, misogyny continued to manifest in various fields, most notably in sports, politics, and the workplace. For example, in 1967, Kathrine Switzer became the first woman to officially compete in the Boston Marathon, facing significant resistance and hostility from male race officials. In the 2020s, women athletes continue to face disparities in pay and treatment compared to their male counterparts, highlighting ongoing misogyny in sports. In politics, women politicians often face disparaging treatment from their peers, the media, and the public. Misogyny is also evident in ongoing gender disparities in education, employment, the gender pay gap, and parental leave, illustrating that despite advances, misogyny remains a significant force in contemporary society. (2)
Perspectives:
A common perception of misogyny is that it is a form of sexism which perpetuates prejudice, malice, and condemnation of women by discrimination and belittlement, while celebrating the stereotypical qualities and perceptions of men. It can be present systemically and behaviorally, taking the form of sexual objectification, control, disrespect, harassment, and victim-blaming. A common argument when challenging misogynistic practices is that the enforcement of stereotypes harms everyone, not just women. (6)
Others argue that misogyny denotes a system that distinguishes what makes a good versus bad woman, as opposed to generalized hatred of women. The argument is that modern misogyny rewards women who support the status quo, and punishes those who challenge male-dominated systems. As such, when sexism is an ideology supporting patriarchal systems, misogyny enforces it when the system is under threat. (7)
Did You Know?
Women in Canada earn, on average, about 87 cents for every dollar earned by men and the gap is even wider for racialized, Indigenous, and disabled women.
Sources:
(1) https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misogyny
(2) https://www.britannica.com/topic/misogyny
(3) "Misogyny, Popular Culture and Women's Work," History Workshop Journal 31 (1991), 166-188.
(4) https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-49055-2_4
(5) https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/misogyny
(6) https://cpdonline.co.uk/knowledge-base/safeguarding/misogyny
Resources:
Podcast: Episode 018: Misogyny — Braaains Podcast
BBC Documentary: Tackling online misogyny - Whose Truth? The Documentary, BBC World Service