Tools and Frameworks
Five Faces of Oppression, by Iris Marion Young
Writer Mauricio Rebolledo examines the framework for understanding oppression through Iris Marion Young’s theory. It is counter to traditional notions of justice and centers its operational functioning through exploitation, marginalization, powerlessness, cultural imperialism and violence.
The Complexity of Identity. "Who Am I?" by Bevery Daniel Tatum
A framework by Beverly Daniel Tatum for understanding identity through multiple identities, their intersections and how they are historically, socially, and culturally shaped. It also explores concepts of internalized dominant and targeted identities that can coexist within one individual. It includes some insight into the physical and psychological taxing of oppression in those who are “othered” while emphasizing there is no hierarchy of oppressions. It states, “Our ongoing examination of who we are in our full humanity, embracing all of our identities, creates the possibility of building alliances that may ultimately free us all.”
"Identities and Social Locations: Who Am I? Who Are My People?" by Gwyn Kirk and Margo Okazawa-Rey
This article explores identity formation through the individual, meso and macro levels. It highlights how one identity may dominate other identities based on the social context or groups they are in.
Calling In: Creating Change Without Cancel Culture — Loretta J. Ross
'Calling In' is a tool and practice for turning difficult conversations into productive ones. This framework can help address harm while creating space for growth, forgiveness and understanding.
Toolkit — Bettina Love
Bettina Love, Ph.D., has created a "Punished for Dreaming" video playlist and Love Notes music playlist filled with songs you can play as you write/plan or host an event, as well as a study guide. There are original songs Love has produced as a full album and YouTube videos that will open up a discussion or gathering. This toolkit also includes an Education Reparations Handbook and Free to Dream coloring book for children.
Workshop Materials:
- Four I's of Oppression:
An image highlighting the Four I’s of Oppression: Ideological, Institutional, Interpersonal and Internalized. - Cycle of Liberation, by Bobbie Harro (Taylor & Francis, 2015):
A visual representation of how oppression is reproduced through sociological cycles that affirm and reinforce oppression while centering its core elements and ways to break the cycle. - Matrix of Oppression (Adapted from Taylor & Francis, 2015):
This table lists the social identity categories of oppression, while identifying privileged, oppressed and border identities, as well as their ‘isms.’ - Mapping Worksheet (Adapted from Taylor & Francis, 2015):
This table is based on the Matrix of Oppression table, where users can mark their own identities within the different social identity categories to better understand their own privileged, oppressed, and border positionality and intersectionality. - Action Continuum (Taylor & Francis, 2015):
A scale to indicate where one may land on supporting oppression and confronting oppression – you can be at a different level based on the various categories of oppression.
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