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marginalize

MAHR-juh-nuh-lyz /ˈmɑːrdʒɪnəlaɪz/

verbC1GRESATTOEFLUPSC

academicsociological

To treat a person, group, or concept as insignificant or peripheral.

Marginalize implies pushing a group to the edges ('margins') of society, denying them access to resources, political power, or social influence.

The story behind the word. Think of a page in a book. The main text sits in the center, where all the attention is focused. The 'margin' is the blank space on the outer edge. To marginalize a group is to write them out of the main story of society, leaving them as mere footnotes on the edges.

Word relationships

sideline: Sideline is often used in sports or business to describe temporarily removing someone from active participation, whereas marginalize is a deeper, systemic social exclusion.
exclude: Exclude means to shut out completely, while marginalize means to keep them within the system but strip them of power and push them to the edges.

integrate: Integrate means to bring a group into the mainstream of society as equal, active participants.
empower: Empower means to give authority, power, and influence to a group, the exact opposite of pushing them to the margins.

Commonly confused with

oppress: Oppress involves active, cruel, or unjust exercise of authority, while marginalize can happen quietly through neglect, systemic bias, or social exclusion.

Word family

marginalization (noun): The social process of becoming or being made marginal.
marginalized (adjective): Pushed to the margins of society; powerless.

Collocations

marginalize communities
systematically marginalize
marginalize voices
feel marginalized

Idioms & expressions

push to the margins
shut out

Example sentences

"Building highways through low-income neighborhoods serves to further marginalize communities by cutting them off from economic centers." An analysis of urban planning.
"Mainstream media outlets often marginalize minority viewpoints, focusing instead on the perspectives of the dominant political parties." A critique of media representation.

Memory hook

Marginalize: Push them to the 'margins' of the page. Pushing people to the outer edges.

When not to use

Do not use for a simple disagreement or when someone is temporarily ignored in a casual conversation.

Fun facts

The term 'marginality' was coined by sociologist Robert E. Park in 1928 to describe the psychological conflict of immigrants living between two distinct cultures.

Related words

xenophobia, diaspora

Explore more words

marginalization, marginalized, stigmatize, Ostracism, underprivileged, disenfranchise