Micro-inequity

A Micro-inequity is a small, often overlooked act of exclusion or bias that could convey a lack of respect, recognition, or fairness towards marginalized individuals. These acts can manifest in various ways, such as consistently interrupting or dismissing the contributions of a particular group during meetings or discussions. The theory of micro-inequity helps elucidate how individuals may experience being overlooked, ignored, or harmed based on characteristics like race, gender, or other perceived attributes of disadvantage, including political views and marital status.[1][2] This falls within the broader marginalizing micro-level dynamics that refer to subtle, often unnoticed mechanisms within a society that contribute to the exclusion, disempowerment, or disadvantage of certain individuals or groups. These dynamics operate at a granular level, perpetuating inequalities and disparities in resource distribution, access to opportunities, and overall participation in social, economic, and political spheres.[3] Micro-inequities, micro-affirmations, and micro-advantages are often executed using coded language or subtle non-verbal cues, formally in written communications or informally in conversations, known as micro-messaging.[4] The term originated in 1973.[5][6][7][8]

  1. ^ Sandler, Bernice. "The Campus Climate Revisited: Chilly for Women Faculty, Administrators, and Graduate Students." Association of American Colleges. 1986.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Ridgeway, Cecilia L. (2014). "Why Status Matters for Inequality". American Sociological Review. 79 (1): 1+. doi:10.1177/0003122413515997. ISSN 0003-1224.
  4. ^ Young, Stephen (March–April 2003). MicroMessaging: Why Great Leadership is Beyond Words. McGraw-Hill. pp. 2–11. ISBN 9780071467575. Archived from the original on 2015-11-18. Retrieved 2014-10-05.
  5. ^ "The Moral Status of Micro-Inequities: In Favor of Institutional Solutions". Oxford University Press. Retrieved 2023-10-05.
  6. ^ "Micro-Inequities: 40 Years Later | Psychology Today". Psychology Today. Retrieved 2023-10-05.
  7. ^ "Micro-inequities (including Micro-aggressions) and Micro-affirmations". Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Retrieved 2023-10-05.
  8. ^ Rowe, Mary (2008). "Micro-affirmations & Micro-inequities". Journal of the International Ombudsman AssociationJournal of the International Ombudsman Association. 1: 45–48.