Marginalize

To relegate a person, group, or concept to a position of secondary importance or power; to treat as insignificant, or to exclude them from the mainstream. This often involves creating social, political, or economic barriers that limit access to opportunities and resources. The process can involve denying their voices, perspectives, and contributions, ultimately leading to their powerlessness and diminished influence within a larger society or system. It can manifest through discrimination, prejudice, and systemic disadvantages, resulting in feelings of isolation, invisibility, and disenfranchisement for those affected. The act of marginalizing can occur deliberately or unintentionally, but the impact is always to diminish the value and agency of the target.

Marginalize meaning with examples

• The company's restructuring plans were criticized for potentially marginalizing older employees, making them feel overlooked. Some felt it was a planned process of age discrimination. It would result in them no longer being able to contribute what they were able to do before, such as mentoring. This lack of inclusion of these people in the future caused significant resentment within the company.
• Historically, women in many societies were marginalized in the political sphere, denied the right to vote and hold office. They were relegated to domestic roles, and they had no ability to use their voices in the governance of society. Despite this, there were powerful women who attempted to break through the glass ceiling and change things. Despite attempts to make things equal, the effects are still felt today.
• During the pandemic, vulnerable populations like the homeless were further marginalized due to restricted access to resources and support. They were ignored and lacked medical help because of their living situation, and were given no priority. They were neglected and denied the help that they desperately needed, as the focus was placed elsewhere. This caused additional suffering.
• Efforts to combat climate change often unintentionally marginalize indigenous communities that rely on natural resources. As such, the plan to deal with climate change does not take their needs into account. This leads to the continued decline of their ways of life. They were excluded from decision-making processes, and denied access to essential resources.
• Critics argued that the curriculum marginalized the contributions of minority artists and writers. They were never mentioned, despite being essential to the formation of the art and literary canon. Students were deprived of a full and comprehensive understanding of the arts because of the focus on one single group and their contribution.