Self-oppression

Self-oppression is the process by which an individual internalizes and actively perpetuates systems of domination, prejudice, and discrimination against themselves or their own group, even in the absence of external pressure. It involves limiting one's own potential, suppressing their authentic self-expression, accepting harmful stereotypes, and hindering personal growth due to internalized beliefs about their inferiority, unworthiness, or societal expectations. This phenomenon often arises from prolonged exposure to oppressive social environments, leading to the adoption of the oppressor's viewpoint and the adoption of self-limiting behaviors that reinforce the oppressive system. It is frequently a subconscious process.

Self-oppression meaning with examples

• A Black woman, despite her obvious intelligence and capability, refuses to apply for a promotion, believing she won't be taken seriously in a leadership role due to internalized racism. She minimizes her accomplishments and defers to less qualified colleagues, perpetuating self-oppression by limiting her career trajectory. This example highlights how the system can be internalized and thus she becomes a contributing factor.
• A gay man refuses to express his romantic feelings or attend LGBTQ+ social gatherings due to fear of rejection and social stigma, self-oppressing his need for intimacy and belonging. He reinforces his feelings of exclusion, ultimately hindering his ability to have meaningful connections. This is due to fear of what others would think and do.
• A woman constantly criticizes her physical appearance, comparing herself unfavorably to unrealistic beauty standards. She avoids social situations, feeling inadequate, and this fuels her cycle of self-oppression, reinforcing a negative self-image. She believes the negative internal self-talk more than external praise or positive feedback.
• A working-class individual shies away from pursuing higher education, believing it's 'not for people like them,' thus blocking opportunities for personal advancement. They adopt a limiting mindset, which is an example of internalizing classist societal constructs. This keeps them in a perpetual cycle of the same.
• A person with a disability internalizes societal ableism and limits their aspirations, believing they are incapable of achieving certain goals. They may refuse assistance or accommodation because of their shame and, ultimately, self-oppress themselves, restricting their opportunities to thrive and grow. This is due to the internalization of negative societal views.