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Axis of Oppression
Axis of Oppression refers to the intersecting systems of power and inequality that marginalize individuals based on their social identities, such as race, gender, class, or sexuality. This concept highlights how these axes operate simultaneously, compounding disadvantages and perpetuating systemic discrimination. Sociologists use the term to analyze the complex ways oppression is structured and maintained in societies, emphasizing intersectionality in understanding the lived experiences of marginalized groups. The axis of oppression framework is essential for critiquing power dynamics and advocating for equity and inclusion in social, political, and institutional contexts.