The word "marginalise" is spelled with a "g" in the middle, despite being pronounced with a "j" sound. This is because the "g" represents the letter combination "gi," which produces the soft "j" sound in English. The IPA transcription for "marginalise" is /ˈmɑːdʒɪnəlaɪz/, with the "ɑː" representing the "a" sound as in "father," and the "ɪ" representing the short "i" sound as in "sit." The final "ize" is pronounced as the suffix -ise/-ize, with a long "i" sound and a soft "z" at the end.
Marginalize, or marginalise (UK spelling), is a term used to describe the act of relegating or excluding an individual or a group of people to the margins or periphery of society. This is typically done by limiting their participation, influence, or opportunities in various aspects such as social, economic, or political settings.
When someone is marginalized, they are pushed to the edges of societal structures and are often denied equal rights and privileges enjoyed by the majority or dominant groups. It is an act that can be intentional or unintentional, resulting from discrimination, prejudice, or systemic inequalities.
Marginalization can occur based on various factors, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, religion, disability, or political beliefs. The marginalization process can manifest in different ways, such as denying access to education, employment, housing, healthcare, or basic services. It can also involve the disregard or trivialization of their experiences, identities, and voices.
The consequences of marginalization can be severe, leading to social exclusion, economic disadvantage, decreased self-esteem, and limited participation in decision-making processes. Consequently, marginalized groups often face numerous obstacles and barriers that hinder their progress and restrict their ability to achieve their full potential.
Efforts to combat marginalization involve promoting equality, inclusivity, and diversity. These actions seek to provide fair opportunities, reduce discrimination, and dismantle systemic barriers that perpetuate marginalization.
The word "marginalise" derives from the noun "marginal", which originated from the Latin word "marginalis". In Latin, "marginalis" referred to the edge or border, specifically the margin of a page. Over time, the term "marginal" extended its meaning to denote something outside the central focus or of lesser importance. The suffix "-ize" in "marginalise" is derived from the Greek suffix "-izo", which is used to transform a noun into a verb. Therefore, "marginalise" means to push or place someone or something in a position of lesser importance or to the periphery.