Glossary

The term banking model of education was first used by Paulo Freire in his highly influential book Pedagogy of the Oppressed.[1][2] Freire describes this form of education as "fundamentally narrative (in) character"[3] with the teacher as the subject (that is, the active participant) and the students as passive objects.

Instead of communicating, the teacher issues communiqués and makes deposits which the students patiently receive, memorize, and repeat. This is the "banking" concept of education, in which the scope of action allowed to students extends only as far as receiving, filing, and storing the deposits.[Read more]

Decolonizing psychology refers to the process of challenging and dismantling the dominant, Western-centric frameworks that have historically shaped the field of psychology. This includes recognizing and integrating diverse cultural perspectives, particularly those from marginalized communities, in understanding human behavior and mental health. In the context of working with refugees and other marginalized groups, it emphasizes the importance of acknowledging different cultural roots of psychological science and avoiding the imposition of colonial viewpoints. It also advocates for the inclusion of culturally sensitive therapeutic modalities in psychological training, ensuring that mental health professionals are equipped to provide care that is respectful and responsive to diverse cultural needs.[Read more]

A sociological analytical framework for understanding how groups' and individuals' social and political identities result in unique combinations of discrimination and privilege. Examples of these factors include gender, caste, sex, race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, religion, disability, height, physical appearance, age, and weight.[1] These intersecting and overlapping social identities may be both empowering and oppressing.[2][3] [Read more]

Liberation psychology is an approach to psychology that aims to actively understand the psychology of oppressed and impoverished communities by conceptually and practically addressing the oppressive sociopolitical structure in which they exist.[Read more]

The term was created by Harvard University psychiatrist Chester M. Pierce in 1970. It describes the insults and dismissals which he regularly witnessed non-black Americans inflicting on African Americans. The term was then expanded upon by Dr. Derald Wing Sue in the 2000’s to address dynamics facing multiple groups of people of color. Microaggression as a major and impactful form of interpersonal oppression--the term MICROaggression is because the experiences happen on the micro level (ie. interpersonal), not because they are minor incidents.[Read more]

A malicious or unjust treatment of, or exercise of power over, a group of individuals, often in the form of governmental authority.[1] Oppression may be overt or covert, depending on how it is practiced.[Read more]

Identity is the set of qualities, beliefs, personality traits, appearance, or expressions that characterize a person or a group.[1][2][3][4]

Identity emerges during childhood as children start to comprehend their self-concept, and it remains a consistent aspect throughout different stages of life. Identity is shaped by social and cultural factors and how others perceive and acknowledge one's characteristics.[5] [Read more]