Final answer:
Othering refers to the process by which people define their identity in opposition to those perceived to have dissimilar cultural or ethnic backgrounds, which often results in discrimination and reinforces societal divisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
‘Othering’ encompasses the choices people make by defining their identity in opposition to groups of people who do not share (or are perceived as not sharing) a similar culture, heritage, ethnicity, and political or economic experience. This process of defining the self against the “Other” can lead to discrimination and social distancing, where groups that differ from the cultural norm are largely ignored or viewed as lesser. Othering is not solely an act but a deep-rooted part of societal structures and can figure strongly into subconscious decisions, affecting various aspects of social existence including civil rights, social mobility, employment, and representation.
For example, individuals from different ethnic backgrounds might form a pan-ethnic group, like Asian Americans, which serves as a collective identity within the context of the United States. However, this identity might not be as prominent when they are within their specific ethnic communities. Understanding cultural identity and otherness is critical in appreciating the complexities of how groups and their members are perceived and how they interact within larger societal frameworks.