Self-marginalizing

Self-marginalizing describes the act of intentionally or unintentionally distancing oneself from mainstream society, opportunities, or groups, often resulting in social, economic, or political isolation. This behavior can stem from a variety of factors, including low self-esteem, fear of rejection, past negative experiences, social anxiety, or a desire to maintain a perceived sense of authenticity or moral superiority. It can manifest through avoidance of social situations, declining opportunities, expressing unpopular opinions, or adhering to rigid belief systems that alienate others. This can also refer to the act of positioning oneself in the periphery of society to distance oneself from harm, often to avoid judgement or criticism. It is a nuanced concept as it can reflect self-protection or potentially hinder personal growth and societal integration.

Self-marginalizing meaning with examples

• Sarah, haunted by a past failure, began self-marginalizing by declining all promotion opportunities at work, fearing she would disappoint her superiors. She started showing up to work and leaving immediately without socialising with her coworkers. Her colleagues were unable to build a meaningful professional relationship with her. This resulted in her being overlooked for important projects, confirming her initial fear and perpetuating the cycle of isolation.
• John, deeply affected by public criticism in the past, started self-marginalizing by avoiding social events and online discussions. He stopped posting on social media and would not take calls from people that he didn't have prior social relationship. His already existing circle grew smaller and smaller as he felt like his interactions left him vulnerable to attack, solidifying his feeling that the world was an unsafe place.
• Despite his skills, David, due to his fear of authority, started self-marginalizing at his company by constantly disagreeing with his superiors, refusing to participate in team projects and going off script from the official plan. He would voice his opinions on the plan loudly in a public space. His abrasive nature and stubborn approach to his work hindered his career advancement and limited his professional connections.
• Following a series of disappointing dating experiences, Emily began self-marginalizing in the dating world. She adopted a cynical view of romance and actively resisted forming romantic relationships. She avoided dating apps, social events, and any situation where she might meet a potential partner. This choice isolated her from forming new connections and left her in a lonely state.
• After experiencing discrimination, Mark began self-marginalizing by rejecting opportunities to engage with dominant cultural groups. He started only going to restaurants and shops that featured his community's products. He felt a moral obligation to his community to do so. While his initial intent was to protect his sense of identity, it ultimately limited his access to diverse perspectives and resources, even if he chose to stay away from them.