Concept in Definition ABC

On the one hand, oppression expresses an inner malaise. If it is a sensation Physical refers to a suffocation in the chest, causing shortness of breath or pain.

This type of discomfort can also be used in a spiritual or mental sense. It happens when we have a problem or distressing situation and that discomfort creates a feeling of regret. In this sense, oppression is typical of situations of great tension or emotional stress caused by adverse personal circumstances; a work problem, family or more commonly a love disappointment.

Oppression on the political plane

In addition to the physical or psychological meaning, oppression refers to collective phenomena within the political arena. It is what happens when a people or nation it is subjected to a tyrannical regime. In this context, the regime acts as an oppressor and the whole of the population He is the oppressed. Throughout history there have been moments of special oppression, especially in dictatorships or totalitarian regimes. When leaders exercise power by subjecting citizens to repression, there is frustration general, the collective feeling of not being able to relate fully and with levels of freedom reasonable. Faced with this feeling, there is usually a desire for freedom, which provokes a popular reaction aimed at ending oppression.

politics. This has happened in most revolutionary processes.

Oppression from a political perspective implies a power relationship. And power is the action of forcing someone, imposing a series of guidelines or norms that he would not carry out by his own will. In democracies there are mechanisms of power, but they are legitimized by electoral power and, in parallel, there is a division of powers (executive, legislative and judicial) that mitigate the levels of oppression that a democratic regime could exercise over citizens.

It is in the framework of dictatorships or in the forms of government pre-democratic where oppression is more frequent. It is the people who, in a majority way, suffer from a despotic policy. And there is an acceptance of it because there is a fear on the part of the citizenship. Fear becomes a key mechanism to provoke oppression, since the leaders apply severe punishments or sanctions against any threat. Repression and lack of freedom add to fear, creating a environment of great social unrest. Oppression is applied to minority groups or groups in a precarious situation: gypsies, homosexuals, opponents and anyone who exercises some kind of criticism of the oppressive power.

In the history of humanity there are periods of oppression and freedom, two permanent and opposing forces. It is the struggle between oppressors and oppressed.

Issues in Oppression