Terms
Northwest Education Services believes in empowering one’s learning. We have curated the resources below in the various mediums for you to expand your learning. Choose what is best for your learning needs.
Definitions to Benefit Your Learning
Code Switch
The use of one dialect, register, accent or language variety over another, depending on social or cultural context, to project a specific identity
Intersectionality
The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class and gender, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage.
Feminism
The belief in social, economic, and political equality of the sexes.
Womanism
A form of feminism that emphasizes women's natural contribution to society.
Privilege
The unearned advantage we get from being part of a dominant group whose needs have traditionally be prioritized.
Allyship
An active and consistent effort to use your privilege and power to support and advocate for people with less privilege.
Performative Allyship
Based on the idea of self-gratification and does not look at your responsibility within a community; it is disingenuous.
Othering
A concept that identifies those who are thought to be different from either one's self or the majority of those around you.
Colorism
Colorism is descrimination against those with darker skin tones.
Accountability
Accountability is apologizing, making amends, and changing the behavior that caused the harm.
Microaggression
Remarks or actions that imply negative insults and associations with an individual or group. These are typically directed towards someone of a marginalized group.
Marginalized
To treat (a person, group, or concept) as insignificant or peripheral.
Belonging
The human emotional need to be an accepted member of a group. Whether it is family, friends, co-workers, a religion, or something else, some people tend to have an 'inherent' desire to belong and be an important part of something greater than themselves.
Inclusion
Inclusion is the act of creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate. An inclusive and welcoming climate embraces differences and offers respect in words and actions for all people.
Washington University's Diversity Dictionary is just one example of the resources available to expand your understanding of terminology used in this work.