Title: What Is Othering?
Headings: What Is Othering?
What Is Othering?
What Is Othering?
Signs
Types
Examples
Causes
Evolution
In-Group Bias
Out-Group Bias
Social Identification
Lack of Knowledge
Robbers Cave Experiment
Justifying Past Mistreatment of Others
How to Resolve Cognitive Dissonance
Impact
Exclusion and Discrimination
Systemic Discrimination
How to Minimize Othering
Focus on People as Individuals
Become Aware of Your Own Unconscious Biases
Remember that Diversity Has Important Benefits
Be Aware of Language
Remember That Identities are Multidimensional and Intersectional
Broaden Your Social Circle
Speak Up
A Word From Verywell

Content: Signs
Types
Causes
Impact
Impact of Othering
How to Minimize Othering
What Is Othering? Othering is a phenomenon in which some individuals or groups are defined and labeled as not fitting in within the norms of a social group. It is an effect that influences how people perceive and treat those who are viewed as being part of the in-group versus those who are seen as being part of the out-group. Othering also involves attributing negative characteristics to people or groups that differentiate them from the perceived normative social group. It is an “us vs. them” way of thinking about human connections and relationships. This process essentially involves looking at others and saying "they are not like me" or "they are not one of us." Othering is a way of negating another person's individual humanity and, consequently, those that are have been othered are seen as less worthy of dignity and respect. On an individual level, othering plays a role in the formation of prejudices against people and groups. On a larger scale, it can also play a role in the dehumanization of entire groups of people which can then be exploited to drive changes in institutions, governments, and societies. It can lead to the persecution of marginalized groups, the denial of rights based on group identities, or even acts of violence against others.