marginalization

[ mahr-juh-nl-ahy-zey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of placing a person or thing in a position of lesser importance, influence, or power; the state of being placed in such a position:

   The social marginalization of overweight adolescents may further reduce their self-esteem and increase depression.

Word History and Origins

Origin of marginalization¹

marginaliz(e) + -ation ( def )

Example Sentences

Soraya Chemaly, author of the appropriately named "Rage Becomes Her," pointed out to me that other forms of oppression, like racism and homophobia, rely on marginalization.

From Salon

“What we are seeing in this university is the systematic marginalization of one set of human lives and one set of constituencies — Palestinian American, Arab American, Muslim American and Palestinians in general. Not treating them on the basis of equality. Not safeguarding their access to the university in terms of free speech and their right to expression,” Makdisi said.

From Los Angeles Times

Furthermore, the practice is tightly bound to the seemingly intransigent social marginalization of women.

From Los Angeles Times

Because of the language’s marginalization, she was taught to understand her parents’ tongue but never to speak it.

From Los Angeles Times

Haitians have been scapegoated in the past, and this type of language is not only dangerous but a harbinger of the marginalization of other groups.

From Slate