Title: Marginalized Populations
Headings: Marginalized Populations
Marginalized Populations
Content: Marginalized Populations
Marginalized Populations
Apr
01
The social revolution of the 1970s coined the word “marginalized” to describe the experiences of those who live on the fringe of mainstream America. Such persons are systematically excluded from full participation in the American dream and consequently lack the self-efficacy to improve their life situation. In the end, society pays the costs when people encounter barriers to achieving their potential. The term marginalized has expanded from originally referring to minorities and persons from poverty, to include a long list of cultures and populations. Here is a sample of the most common marginalized groups: GLBT
Senior citizens
Racial/Cultural minorities
Military Combat Veterans
Persons of below average intelligence
Hearing, visually, and Physically Challenged Persons
Persons with a serious and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI)
Persons with Cognitive Impairments
Gamblers and Substance Abusers
Autism Spectrum Persons
Gifted and Talented Persons
Persons with disfigurements
Persons Living in Poverty
Sex Offenders
The Homeless
Felons
While this is only a listing of those most commonly referred to as marginalized, there are other individual people who just do not fit into mainstream culture, and suffer the same consequences. Such persons are all around us but virtually invisible…unless they cause problems or disrupt the lifestyles of mainstream persons. Significant disparities exist for marginalized people in every aspect of their lives such as health care, employment, legal rights under the law, housing, and access to services. They are often the silent and invisible victims of discrimination, violence, social stigma, and assault. Sometimes they are abused by bullies and predators or exploited and mistreated by caregivers, family, neighbors, friends, acquaintances, and professionals.