The word margin, as most of us understand it, refers to the space of a page outside the main body of the text. When I read, I often jot down notes or thoughts on the margin of the page for future reference. What I jot down, however, is separate from the main text.
Margin can also mean a space between the minimum and overextention. Anything beyond this space can be harmful or even impossible. Having margin in our busy and overloaded lives has been said to benefit our overall well-being. On the other hand, living without margin or operating beyond our optimal capacity can harm our health, productivity, or relationships.
Things may be impossible if they happen outside the margin. Any text outside a page’s printable area, outside the page margin set, will be excluded from the printed document. Even though the document is printed, the text may be truncated and some contents lost.
People who live on the margin of society are often considered “other” from the mainstream. They are under-represented in public squares, their needs are often unmet, and they do not usually enjoy the same opportunities available to other members of society. People living on the fringe of society are often referred to as “marginalized people.”
What Is Marginalization?
According to Oxford Reference,[1] “marginalization is a spatial metaphor for a process of social exclusion in which individuals or groups are relegated to the fringes of a society, being denied economic, political, and/or symbolic power and pushed towards being ‘outsiders.'”
From this definition, we can see that marginalization does not happen overnight. It is a process. It is a continuous and systematic process. People in the mainstream may have ingrained biases or prejudice against marginalized groups. Unfortunately, these kinds of biases or prejudices are often hard to overcome.
Marginalized groups are often relegated or consigned to an inferior position by those with greater power and resources. The process of marginalization is a vicious cycle. The marginalized have less power and resources to begin with. Then, being marginalized, the lack of equal opportunities and access pushes them even further from the mainstream of society, let alone those with power and position. And this cycle only perpetuates marginalization.
Therefore, the word marginalization gives us a clear image of people being assigned a place on the “margin” of a piece of paper, apart from the main body. They exist in society but are separate from the mainstream. They are present, but they do not truly belong.
Common Types of Marginalization
Economic Marginalization
Marginalized people usually do not have equal opportunities to benefit from or contribute to the economy. For example, a person with disabilities may be bypassed for a promotion because of the person’s physical disabilities. Many people living with disabilities live in unsuitable housing because there is inadequate affordable and accessible housing.
Political Marginalization
There are many barriers hindering marginalized groups from participating in the political process. In addition to the lack of access to polling stations or voting information, existing biased perceptions against marginalized groups often hinder their active participation in the political arena. This political under-representation results in their needs being ignored, voices not being heard, and rights not being supported.
Social Marginalization
Social marginalization can take many forms, from people’s derogatory remarks, limited opportunities to participate in social activities, to inaccessible essential services. Systemic social marginalization can severely impact marginalized groups’ quality of life.
Educational Marginalization
Many marginalized groups do not receive equal educational services and support. The astronomical cost of higher education often prevents low-income students from pursuing further education. Special education programs in public schools are constantly under-staffed. Understaffing leads to teacher burnout and high turnover. It also affects the quality of education for special education students.
It would be naive to think we could deal with one type of marginalization at a time because they all are closely interconnected. For example, people with disabilities need political representation to advocate for their rights to receive sufficient funding for accessible housing. This also applies to public school special education programs that need funding to be adequately staffed. To request equal access to public services and fair treatment in social activities requires political representation. Educational marginalization often leads to students’ underperformance or distrust in the education process. Consequently, some students may drop out early, and some may decide not to pursue higher education. Then, their lack of education often limits them to low-paying jobs, leading to economic disadvantage.
Confronting Marginalization
The servant returned and told his master what they had said. His master was furious and said, “Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.” After the servant had done this, he reported, “There is still room for more.” So his master said, “Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.”
Luke 14:21–23, NLT
In Jesus’ parable of the great banquet, a man prepared a great feast and sent his servant to the invited guests. However, every invitee was making laughable excuses not to attend. The master of the feast told his servant to forget those guests. Instead, he asked the servant to go into the backstreets and alleys and invite “the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.” After bringing in the town’s social outcasts, the servant reported there was still room at the banquet. The master told the servant to go out again, this time to the country lanes, even behind the hedges, to urge anyone to come.
It is important to note that the invitation was opened up to society’s outcasts and downtrodden. In Jesus’ time, these people were considered by those in power and authority as unfit, unclean, and even cursed by God. They were denied access to the temple and community. And yet, Jesus’ parable shows God’s grace extends beyond social boundaries and His salvation is available to anyone who is willing to come to the feast.
The process of marginalization is complex and entrenches every part of society. Breaking the vicious cycle and interrupting its continuous progression may seem daunting. However, as responsible citizens of society, especially as Jesus’ disciples, we cannot pretend marginalization does not exist. Since we know marginalization exists and know of its detrimental effects on individuals, groups, and society at large, we must start doing something, no matter how small it might be. Here are some suggestions:
- Educate yourself. What are the marginalized groups in your society? What are the impacts of marginalization on these groups? How can these impacts be mitigated?
- Listen to the marginalized. You can find many stories about the marginalized’s lived experiences online. Some stories may seem unimaginable if you have never paid attention to this subject. However, by listening to marginalized people as they share their struggles, experiences, and challenges, you will better understand their needs and how to support them.
- Reflect. Ask yourself honestly if you hold any bias against certain groups of people. Consider where the bias comes from and how you can address it. Think critically and creatively about sharing what you learn and promoting inclusivity in your sphere of influence.
- Take Action. It is not enough for us to know but do nothing. Like the master in Jesus’ parable, we need to “go out,” “search for,” and “invite” those whom society has cast out to the banquet.
[1] Oxford Reference. “Marginalization.” Accessed July 14, 2023. https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803100133827#:~:text=A%20spatial%20metaphor%20for%20a,See%20also%20marginality%3B%20compare%20demarginalization.