Key Difference – Oppression vs Suppression
Although oppression and suppression both involve the use of force, there is a difference between the two. Oppression refers to the harsh and unfair treatment of an individual or a group of people, while suppression refers to putting an end to something by force. This can be an activity, a process, publication, etc. The main differences between oppression and suppression can be summarized as follows:
Key Takeaways
- Oppression is a social phenomenon, while suppression can be both a social and a psychological phenomenon.
- Oppression can be aimed at a social group, while suppression can be aimed at a group, particular individual, activity, or even one’s emotions.
- Oppression refers to harsh and unfair treatment of an individual or a group of people, while suppression refers to putting an end to something by force.
What is Oppression?
Oppression is the harsh and unfair treatment of individuals or groups, most often aimed at certain social groups such as women, the working class, or transsexuals. Society may be structured in such a way that certain social groups are oppressed by others as a result of power dynamics. For example, in a capitalist society, factory owners (capitalists) may treat the working class unfairly and harshly through poor working conditions, long working hours, and low pay.
What is Suppression?
Suppression refers to putting an end to something by force. For example, if workers in a factory decide to revolt against the oppression they face, there may be specific social mechanisms such as law and armed forces used to suppress the efforts of the working class. Suppression can also refer to preventing something from being known by people or keeping something a secret, such as a publication. Additionally, suppression can refer to an individual’s attempt to prevent something, such as an emotion or expression. Unlike repression, suppression is a conscious effort made by a person.
