Oppression

Nature

The use of power or coercion whether violent or nonviolent to constrain another's freedom, to violate another's rights, to exploit another, or to deny another's claims to justice. Oppression is clearly at work whenever anyone believes himself to be better than another person by virtue of his membership in a self-styled superior group.

Background

Oppression has been recognized as a pervasive global issue since early accounts of subjugation in ancient civilizations, with its significance gaining prominence during the Enlightenment and anti-colonial movements. The 20th century saw heightened awareness through international human rights declarations and decolonization efforts. Contemporary understanding has deepened with research into systemic and intersectional forms, highlighting its persistence across societies and prompting ongoing global advocacy and policy responses.

Incidence

Obvious examples of oppression are the oppression of black people by whites, minorities by majorities, poor people by rich people and women by men. Less obvious examples include the oppression of physically handicapped people in an environment designed only for the able-bodied, the oppression of children in an adult-centred world, and the oppression of people who live on their own in a society where the family is the norm.

Claim

Oppression is a grave and urgent problem that cannot be ignored. It destroys lives, crushes potential, and perpetuates cycles of injustice and inequality. Allowing oppression to persist undermines the very foundations of a just and humane society. We must confront and dismantle oppressive systems wherever they exist, or risk losing our collective humanity. The fight against oppression is not optional—it is a moral imperative for anyone who values dignity and freedom.

Counter-claim

Individuals and groups are superior to other individuals and groups. Some people are more intelligent, wealthy, politically discerning, morally upright, sensitive to the needs of others, artistic, educated, disciplined and many many other things. The simple existence of these qualities does not make an oppressive situation and if it does, oppression has little meaning.