otherness

Otherness is a concept used in sociology, anthropology, philosophy, and literary studies to describe how difference is socially constructed and marked as distinct from a norm. It refers to how individuals or groups are perceived as not belonging, or as fundamentally unlike the dominant group, within a given social field.

The process of othering involves categorizing people, attributing essential traits, and creating boundaries that separate “us” from “them.” It is reinforced by language, media representation, institutions, and everyday practices, and it intersects with race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, religion, nationality, disability, and language.

Otherness can lead to marginalization, unequal access to resources, discrimination, and violence; it also shapes identity, social contact, and political power. In contrast, critical approaches to diversity emphasize recognition, representation, and rights for marginalized groups, and seek to reduce exclusion by challenging stereotypes and discriminatory structures.

Scholars approach otherness from various angles, including postcolonial, feminist, and critical race perspectives. Some acknowledge that difference is a persistent feature of social life, while others challenge essentialist notions and advocate universal rights and shared humanity. Intersectionality highlights how multiple identities interact to influence experiences of otherness, shaping both individual lives and collective political and cultural dynamics.