lopprimé

Lopprimé is a term in political theory and social analysis used to describe individuals or groups who are subject to persistent, systemic marginalization across social, political, and economic domains. It is commonly employed in critiques of universalist liberal approaches and in anti-oppression discourse to highlight structural disadvantage.

Derived from the French l'opprimé, meaning "the oppressed," lopprimé is often stylized to convey a contemporary or analytical stance. In usage, it can function as both a noun and an adjective, appearing in theoretical works, policy discussions, and activist writing.

At its core, the concept foregrounds structural oppression rather than individual blame, stressing how institutions, norms, and power relations reproduce inequality. It also incorporates ideas of intersectionality, recognizing that multiple identities can interact to intensify marginalization.

In scholarly and public debate, lopprimé is used to frame analyses of policy outcomes, rights claims, and social movements. It seeks to shift attention from individual exceptions to systemic patterns and accountability for exclusion embedded in law, governance, and everyday practice.

Critics argue that the term can risk essentializing diverse experiences or obscuring variation within affected populations. Proponents reply that it provides a common analytic lens to reveal power dynamics and to support targeted strategies for inclusion and reform.

See also: oppression, social justice, intersectionality, critical theory.