Dehumanisation: Definition, Explanation, and Example
Definition:
Dehumanisation refers to the process by which individuals or groups are stripped of their humanity, often being treated as less than human. This can manifest in attitudes, actions, or institutional policies that deny a person or group of people basic dignity, empathy, and moral consideration. In the context of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), dehumanisation can perpetuate discrimination, reinforce inequity, and hinder inclusion efforts.
Understanding Dehumanisation:
Dehumanisation often stems from stereotyping, prejudice, and ignorance. When people are viewed through a narrow, often negative lens, they are reduced to a singular attribute or characteristic, disregarding their individuality, complexity, and worth as human beings. This reduction makes it easier to justify harmful actions or attitudes towards them, including exclusion, discrimination, and even violence.
Dehumanisation in DEI:
In a world striving for diversity, equity, and inclusion, dehumanisation poses a significant barrier. It perpetuates “us versus them” thinking, often alienating marginalised groups. It can be found in environments where people of certain ethnicities, genders, or social classes are deemed inferior or less capable.
For example, in educational or workplace settings, certain groups may face dehumanisation through microaggressions or overtly discriminatory practices, leading to exclusion and unequal opportunities. This harms both individuals and the institution, as diverse perspectives and talents are stifled.
Example:
A prominent historical example of dehumanisation is the treatment of enslaved African Americans in the United States. They were often depicted as inferior beings, devoid of intellectual or emotional depth, to justify their enslavement. This dehumanisation was institutionalised and perpetuated through laws, propaganda, and pseudoscientific racism, which served to maintain an unequal power structure. Even today, remnants of this dehumanisation persist in systemic racism, affecting how African Americans are perceived and treated in various spheres of society.
Combating Dehumanisation:
Addressing dehumanisation is crucial for building a just and inclusive society.
- Promoting Empathy: Encouraging individuals to see others as fully human, with complex emotions, experiences, and needs.
- Education: Raising awareness about the harmful effects of dehumanisation through diversity and inclusion training.
- Policy Reform: Implementing policies that actively protect against discriminatory and dehumanising practices in workplaces, schools, and public institutions.
Conclusion:
Dehumanisation is a dangerous process that undermines the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. By stripping people of their humanity, it perpetuates inequality and division. Combatting dehumanisation requires collective efforts from individuals, institutions, and governments to foster a culture that celebrates human dignity and diversity.
References:
Vaes, J., Leyens, J. P., Paola Paladino, M., & Pires Miranda, M. (2012). We are human, they are not: Driving forces behind outgroup dehumanisation and the humanisation of the ingroup. European review of social psychology, 23(1), 64-106. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10463283.2012.665250
De Ruiter, A. (2023). To be or not to be human: Resolving the paradox of dehumanisation. European Journal of Political Theory, 22(1), 73-95. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1474885120984605
Stollznow, K. (2008). Dehumanisation in language and thought. Journal of Language and Politics, 7(2), 177-200. https://www.jbe-platform.com/content/journals/10.1075/jlp.7.2.01sto
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