The 4 I’s of Oppression: An Essential Framework for Understanding Power Dynamics
The 4 I’s of oppression were created by the Women of Color Caucus of the National Organization of Women (NOW) in the 1980s. The Caucus sought to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the multiple forms of oppression experienced by women of color and to provide a framework for understanding and challenging oppressive power dynamics. The 4 I’s of oppression have since become a widely accepted framework for understanding and challenging oppressive power dynamics.
As a professional, you know how important it is to be aware of the power dynamics that exist in our society. Unfortunately, oppression continues to affect many people daily. That’s why it’s so important to understand and challenge oppressive power dynamics - which is exactly what the Women of Color Caucus of the National Organization for Women (NOW) did in 1980 when they created the 4 I's of Oppression.
The 4 I's are Internalized Oppression; Interpersonal Oppression; Institutional or Structural Oppression; and Ideological or Cultural Imperialism. Each type has its own unique characteristics, but all have one thing in common – they work together as part of an interconnected system that creates and reinforces inequality among different social groups based on gender, race, ethnicity, class, and other identities.
Internalized oppression refers to internalizing negative messages about oneself due to systemic discrimination from external sources, such as media representation or stereotypes within your family structure. This can lead individuals who experience this form of oppression to feel like there is no hope for change because their identity has been reduced to something less than human by oppressive systems outside themselves.
Interpersonal oppression occurs between two individuals with unequal levels of a social hierarchy where one person uses their position advantageously over another individual through physical violence, verbal abuse, intimidation, etc., oftentimes without any repercussions from authority figures. It also involves microaggressions, subtle yet still damaging forms of racism or sexism experienced by marginalized communities daily through interactions with other people, whether intentional or not.
Institutional/Structural oppression occurs at larger scales within societies where laws and policies favor certain privileged classes while disadvantaging others, often creating distinct differences in access to resources and opportunities for advancement regardless of talent, ability, or qualifications. For example, the gendered wage gap, racial disparities in healthcare access, education quality, and housing availability all fall under the institutional/structural oppressions umbrella since these issues stem from laws and policies implemented disproportionately.
Finally, ideological oppression/cultural imperialism happens when a dominant group imposes its values and beliefs directly or indirectly onto minoritized cultures through colonization, forced assimilation, religious conversions, educational institutions, and mass incarceration, among many others. Ideological oppression is a deeply rooted form of oppression and has long-lasting and damaging effects on individuals and communities. It is essential to be aware of the power dynamics in our society and to recognize the unique ways that oppression manifests to challenge oppressive power dynamics and create a more equitable and just society for all.
