Othering

Definition

Othering is a social and psychological process that involves perceiving or portraying a group of people as fundamentally different or inferior to oneself or one's own group. This concept often reinforces social hierarchies, identities, and power dynamics by constructing 'the Other' as an object of exclusion, leading to stereotypes and discrimination.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Othering is central to Chandra Talpade Mohanty's critique in 'Under Western Eyes,' where she addresses how Western feminism often positions non-Western women as oppressed victims in need of rescue.
2. The process of othering can lead to homogenizing diverse groups, reducing complex identities into simplistic stereotypes based on cultural, racial, or gendered characteristics.
3. Mohanty argues that othering can serve the interests of power structures by creating divisions between 'us' (the West) and 'them' (non-Western societies), undermining solidarity among women globally.
4. This concept highlights the importance of intersectionality, emphasizing that identities are shaped by various factors including race, class, sexuality, and geography.
5. Understanding othering is crucial for developing a more nuanced feminist approach that respects the voices and agency of women from different cultural backgrounds.

Review Questions

• How does othering influence the representation of non-Western women in Western feminist discourse?
  • Othering significantly impacts the portrayal of non-Western women by framing them as oppressed and in need of saving by Western feminists. This creates a narrative that overlooks their agency and complex identities. Mohanty emphasizes that such representations often strip away the nuances of their experiences and reinforce colonial attitudes, perpetuating stereotypes rather than fostering genuine understanding.
• Analyze the implications of othering for feminist solidarity across cultural boundaries.
  • The implications of othering for feminist solidarity are profound, as it creates barriers between women from different backgrounds by emphasizing differences rather than common struggles. By constructing a divide between 'us' and 'them,' othering hinders collaboration on issues like gender-based violence and economic inequality. Mohanty's work calls for an intersectional approach that recognizes shared experiences while respecting diverse identities, fostering a more inclusive feminist movement.
• Evaluate how Mohanty's critique of othering challenges traditional narratives in feminist theory and what this means for future feminist scholarship.
  • Mohanty's critique of othering challenges traditional feminist narratives by revealing how Western feminism has historically marginalized non-Western women's voices. This evaluation opens up new avenues for feminist scholarship that prioritize inclusivity and recognize the significance of diverse cultural contexts. By advocating for an approach that values local perspectives and experiences, future scholarship can move towards a more equitable discourse that empowers all women rather than perpetuating existing power dynamics.

Related terms

Colonialism: A practice where a country establishes control over foreign territories, often resulting in the exploitation and marginalization of indigenous populations.

Identity Politics: Political positions based on the interests and perspectives of social groups with which people identify, often addressing issues of marginalization and representation.

Orientalism: A framework for understanding the West's portrayal of Eastern societies as exotic, backward, and fundamentally different, reinforcing stereotypes and justifying colonial practices.