Definition of Terms: Oppression (Research Paper Pt. 9)

Excerpt from, “From social justice warrior to Gospel-centered servant of God: An educator’s reflection on critical theory and Christianity” (Linkletter, 2021).

Oppression can be defined as: “Unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power.” (Merriam-Webster, n.d.)

“The discrimination of one social group against another, backed by institutional power. Oppression occurs when one group can enforce its prejudice throughout society because it controls the institutions. Oppression occurs at the group or macro level, and it goes well beyond individuals. Sexism, racism, classism, ableism, and heterosexism are all forms of oppression” (Sensoy & DiAngelo, 2012, p. 186).

Oppression will be discussed in more depth later in the research paper. It will be analyzed from a critical theory perspective and a Christian perspective.

Rebecca

If you would like to read literature written by critical theorists not about them, these are three books to start with. Is Everyone Really Equal? and Case Critical are shorter and more accessible, and Race, Class, and Gender (it has been updated, but I have not yet read the updated edition) is a collection of essays that require a bit more effort to digest.

References

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Oppression. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved June 25, 2021, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oppression.

Sensoy, Ö. & DiAngelo, R. J. (2017). Is everyone really equal?: An introduction to key concept in social justice education. New York: Teachers College Press.