Otherness

The concept is used in the social sciences to determine how and why societies and groups exclude others whom they wish to subordinate or believe that they do not fit into their society (see Alterity). Someone defined as an “other” is perceived as lacking essential characteristics possessed by the group. The term ‘other’ is a core concept in Continental philosophy; it opposes the ‘same’. The Other refers to that which is opposite to the primary idea being taken under consideration (same, same as...). The concept of ‘othering’ was used by Edward Said in his book, Orientalism, as a means of comprehending people as similar or different to oneself. It can involve demonizing and dehumanizing groups, which leads to viewing them as inferior.