What term describes the actions or policies that may cause harm to marginalized groups in a society?

The term that appropriately describes actions or policies that may cause harm to marginalized groups in a society is oppression. Oppression refers to the systemic and pervasive nature of inequality and injustice that affects individuals based on their membership in a marginalized group. It encompasses the social, economic, and political mechanisms that lead to the subjugation of certain populations, reinforcing power imbalances and limiting opportunities.

Understanding oppression is fundamental for identifying and addressing the various forms of discrimination and inequality present in society. This can manifest in numerous areas, including race, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic status, where marginalized groups experience limitations in their rights and access to resources.

While privilege refers to the unearned advantages held by certain groups, and prejudice denotes preconceived opinions or attitudes toward individuals or groups that can lead to discrimination, neither fully captures the systemic nature of harm that oppression does. Culture, while it influences social dynamics, does not inherently denote harm towards marginalized groups. Thus, oppression is the most accurate term to describe harmful actions or policies directed at those groups.