inferiorizing
Inferiorizing is the act or process by which a person or group is framed, described, or treated as inherently inferior relative to others. It can be intentional, such as propaganda or discriminatory policy, or unintentional, arising from stereotype-laden beliefs or ingrained social norms. The term captures attitudes as well as practices that reinforce unequal status.
In discourse, inferiorizing manifests through language that assigns lesser ability, value, or worth, using adjectives, metaphors,
Forms include microaggressions, belittling humor, and policies that limit access to education, employment, or political participation
Impact and critique: Inferiorizing contributes to stigma, lowered self-efficacy, and social exclusion. Critics argue that it
See also: belittlement, demeaning language, dehumanization, discrimination, marginalization.