The Psychology of Oppression

Book excerpt: 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, LGBT 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 include: Introduces readers to the psychological theories and research on oppression whereas most other books focus on a sociological or ethnic studies perspective. Introduces readers to the fundamentals of oppression--what it is, who experiences it, and where and when it has taken place. Dissects the layers of oppression -- how it is expressed blatantly or subtly and overtly or covertly. Explores how oppression is manifested on different levels including interpersonal, institutional/systemic, and internalized, for a deeper understanding. Demonstrates how oppression influences peoples’ thoughts, attitudes, feelings, and behaviors, and how it influences peoples’ well-being and health. Explores why certain people are discriminated against simply because of their race, ethnicity, gender, or sexuality and the resulting psychological implications. Highlights what researchers and service providers are doing to address oppression via encouraging community and clinical interventions. Examines why oppression exists and has persisted throughout history and what it looks like today. Recommends future psychological work on oppression across research, clinical, and community contexts. 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, LGBT 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.