Privilege is the special rights or immunities granted to a particular group of people. It means that some aspects of their lives are accepted by society without scrutiny or suspicion. Privileged individuals often take these benefits for granted and may not even be aware of them.
While the answer to the question of whether you are privileged may be yes, the degree of privilege differs for different people. Many people shy away from discussing their privileges, fearing that it may undermine their efforts and attribute their success to external factors rather than their own abilities. However, having privilege does not mean that one has not worked hard or faced struggles and challenges. It simply means that certain benefits are enjoyed due to membership in certain majority groups based on factors such as gender, ability, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, religion, race, and language.
In my research on the sexual disclosure dilemma of the LGBT community in the Indian workplace, I encountered stories of individuals who lacked access to basic amenities like washrooms during their transition journey or felt forced to conform to societal expectations when shopping or sharing pictures. These experiences made me realize the privileges I have enjoyed, such as access to a washroom, freedom of choice in shopping, and the ability to share posts without fear of judgment.
It is important to be aware of our privileges and to acknowledge that not everyone may have the same privileges. Understanding the nature of our privileges can help us become more perceptive and empathetic.
To adapt our privileges and become allies to the less privileged, I propose the ADAPT framework: Acknowledge, Discuss, Analyse, Partner, and Tackle.
– Acknowledge your privileges by reflecting on whether you are part of any majority group and if you experience advantages over others due to these memberships. Recognize the benefits you have access to that others may not. By acknowledging our privileges, we can create a safe space for others to share their vulnerabilities.
– Discuss privilege, even though it may be an uncomfortable topic for many. Engaging in discussions about diversity, equity, and inclusion helps break mental barriers and build allies. It also allows us to gain different perspectives and create an inclusive environment.
– Analyze the dynamics within your team and organization. Identify if there are individuals who are not fully participating or who do not enjoy the same benefits as the majority. This analysis is the first step in designing interventions to address these disparities.
– Partner with individuals who are different from you. Building relationships with people from minority groups helps us understand their experiences and challenges. Networking with diverse individuals can broaden our perspective and make us aware of privileges we may have never considered.
– Tackle debates and dialogues surrounding privilege. Recognize and engage with the differences that arise from the presence or absence of privileges. Embracing diverse perspectives allows leaders to explore different approaches and create meaningful diversity initiatives.
Instead of feeling shy or guilty about our privileges, we should talk about them and use them to create an inclusive space for everyone.
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and ETHRWorld does not necessarily endorse them. ETHRWorld will not be held responsible for any damage caused to individuals or organizations directly or indirectly.
Published On Sep 18, 2023 at 06:39 PM IST
