Definition:
1. A right, immunity, or benefit enjoyed by a particular person or a restricted group of people beyond the advantages of most.
2. The unearned and mostly unacknowledged societal advantage that a restricted group of people has over another group. (ex. white privilege based on skin color; male privilege; children of privilege.
Understanding Privilege: An Invisible Advantage
Privilege refers to a right, immunity, or benefit that is enjoyed by a specific group of people beyond what most individuals in society experience. This could be based on characteristics like race, gender, or class. Privilege often goes unearned and unnoticed by those who have it, providing them with advantages over others. For example, white privilege, male privilege, or class privilege refers to societal benefits granted to certain groups simply because of their skin color, gender, or upbringing, giving them unacknowledged advantages in everyday life.
In my own case, I benefit from white privilege. For example, if I get pulled over by a police officer, in most cases I don't have to worry about being assaulted or falsely accused of a crime I didn't commit. While my privilege is less than a white man in the same position, it is greater than that of a person of color (man or woman) who has been pulled over and isn't sure why. This isn't something I exert myself, but something granted to me by the officer who has decided I need to be pulled over. (This is an general example and, of course, not all police officers would assault or falsely accuse someone of a crime they didn't commit due to the person being pulled over being a person of color.)
Recognizing privilege is key to understanding societal imbalances and working toward equity for all. By acknowledging these invisible advantages, individuals and communities can begin to challenge and dismantle the systems that perpetuate inequality.
Each term in The Womanhood Lexicon is part of an evolving conversation about modern womanhood. These definitions are open for discussion, interpretation, and refinement as we continue to explore them on the podcast. For episodes where a term has been discussed, you’ll find links directly on the term’s page. We encourage you to engage with the content and join us as we redefine womanhood in the 21st century. Together, we can shape and expand these concepts through meaningful dialogue.
