Tilsidesatt

Tilsidesatt is a Norwegian term used to describe the state or condition of being marginalized or sidelined within a group, discussion, or decision-making process. The word is formed from til (to) and sidesatt (sitting at the side), and it appears mainly in contemporary discourse rather than in formal dictionaries. In practice, tilsidesatt can refer to both physical seating arrangements in meetings—being placed on the periphery with limited visibility or voice—and social or political dynamics where a person or group is excluded from influence or consideration.

The term is relatively uncommon and is often found in media commentary, sociolinguistic discussions, and organizational studies that analyze power, representation, and inclusion. It can be used in passive constructions, for example: Hun ble tilsidesatt i beslutningsprosessen. The concept is used to discuss how certain voices or groups are treated in institutional settings, and it is frequently contrasted with more established terms such as marginalisering (marginalization) or sidelining.

Etymology and context: etymologically, tilsidesatt signals a position at the side rather than in the center, which mirrors the social interpretation of being excluded from influence or central attention. While not a standard dictionary entry, the term is employed in analytical writing and journalism to describe those dynamics in workplaces, politics, and cultural debates.

See also: marginalisering, sidelining, representasjon.