Description
Book SynopsisFor every group that is oppressed, another group is privileged. In Undoing Privilege, Bob Pease argues that privilege, as the other side of oppression, has received insufficient attention in both critical theories and in the practices of social change. As a result, dominant groups have been allowed to reinforce their dominance. Undoing Privilege explores the main sites of privilege, from Western dominance, class elitism, and white and patriarchal privilege to the less-examined sites of heterosexual and able-bodied privilege. Pease points out that while the vast majority of people may be oppressed on one level, many are also privileged on another. He also demonstrates how members of privileged groups can engage critically with their own dominant position, and explores the potential and limitations of them becoming allies against oppression and their own unearned privilege. This is an essential book for all who are concerned about developing theories and practices for a socially just world.
Trade Review'This is a scholarly, well-written book that attempts to portray a refreshingly new viewpoint about challenging and confronting an unequal and unjust world order. The author's transparent sincerity, humility and acute awareness about one's privileged position are embedded throughout the narrative.' Ravindra R.P., India 'Undoing Privilege confronts major taken-for-granted dimensions of privilege: Western, class, gender, race, sexual, embodied. It also outlines ways to undo all this, in theory, practice and indeed activism - a huge task that makes for a very important book, written with brevity and humility.' Jeff Hearn, author of The Gender of Oppression 'It should be essential reading for anyone committed to social justice.' Abby Ferber, The Matrix Center for the Advancement of Social Equity and Inclusion
Table of Contents
- Part I: Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations
- 1. Oppression, Privilege and Relations of Domination
- 2. The Matrix and Social Dynamics of Privilege
- Part II: Intersecting Sites of Privilege
- 3. Western Dominance and Colonialism
- 4. Political Economy and Class Elitism
- 5. Gender Order and the Patriarchal Dividend
- 6. Racial Formations and White Supremacy
- 7. Institutionalised Heterosexuality and Hetero-privilege
- 8. Ableist Relations and the Embodiment of Privilege
- Part III: Undoing Privilege
- 9. Challenging the Reproduction of Privilege from Within
