Faces of Oppression
Although oppression can be defined in may different ways, Young (2004) defines oppression as a restrictive barrier that dehumanizes and immobilizes minority groups. Oppression is a product of people's opinions and societal rules that restricts minority groups to be able to live the human experience to it's fullest.
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Faces of oppression is a term which can be used to define the specific subtypes of oppression a minority group may experience. The five faces of oppression include powerlessness, imperialism, exploitation, marginalization, and violence. Many minorities experience oppression, however they may experiences only some of the specific faces of oppression.
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(Young, 2004)
Powerlessness
"...inhibition in the development of one's capacities, lack of decision making power in one's working life, and exposure to disrespectful treatment because of the status one occupies".
(Young, 2004, p. 2)
Homeless children typically have no control over their financial or housing situation, as children who are homeless are typically homeless because their parents are homeless or because they experienced a form of abuse and ran away from home.
OPIs
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Powerlessness can affect a person's self worth and confidence which can effect socialization, school performance, and getting a job. These will be affected because a lack of confidence may affect a person's ability to apply for a job, interview for a job, have healthy relationships with others, and complete homework.
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Constantly feeling that their circumstances are out of their control can also affect a person's mental health and can cause behavioral problems which can affect school performance, getting a job, and socialization. Behavioral problems associated with never feeling in control could include acting out, being violent, and attention seeking.
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Not having the power to obtain their own money will also have a strong impact on eating and health maintenance, as they have no power to ensure they are eating enough and staying healthy.
Exploitation
"... the act of using people’s labors to produce profit while not compensating them fairly"
(Young, 2004, p. 1)
Nearly one in five homeless children have been trafficked into sex, forced labor, or selling drugs. Because this population is so vulnerable and powerless, they are often forced into doing whatever it takes to survive by people who wish to use them for personal gain.
(Pilnik, 2018)
Homeless children can also often be exploited by their parents. When people beg on the streets they are much more likely to receive money from strangers if they have children with them. Unfortunately the parents may be using this money for drugs or alcohol, rather putting it toward their children.
OPIs
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Exploitation may impact social participation, as homeless children never know who they can trust or become close to. This will make it very difficult for these children to form healthy relationships later in life.
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Exploitation will also affect education, because children who are being trafficked or are making money for their parents are likely to not be able to attend school.
Violence
"The oppression of violence consists not only in direct victimization, but in the daily knowledge shared by all members of oppressed groups that they are liable to violation, solely on account of their group identity"
(Young, 2004, p. 1)
In a study conducted by the federal Family and Youth Service Burea, 57% homeless youth reported that they have been physically abused or beaten at least once by a family member, friend, or stranger.
(Pilnik, 2018)
OPIs
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Violence may impact homeless children’s education because this population is much more likely to be bullied by other children. This fear of being harmed will make it difficult to focus on school work and attend class.
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Violence may impact sleep, due to homeless children being unable to sleep in a safe and secure home. Many children will likely not be able to get a quality night sleep due to fear of being physically harmed.
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Nearly 25% of homeless children over the age of 6 have run away from home due to experiencing physical abuse. Violence could therefore impact eating, as they fear they will be physically harmed if they attempt to go back home for food.
(Pilnik, 2018)