Running head: DOMINATE AND SUBORDINATE

Cultural Awareness: Dominate and Subordinate Reflection

Shareese Daniel
Georgia State University

DOMINATE AND SUBORDINATE

Abstract
This paper distinguishes and discusses the two cultural groups within society. One of the two
groups are those considered dominate and the other consist of individuals considered to be
subordinate. Within the two groups, included are explanations and examples as to why a
particular group is subordinate, the dominant counterpart groups and the feelings that arise from
those classified within the subordinate group. Subordinate groups in this paper include those who
identify as African American, female, and lower class individuals. Similarly, dominant groups,
and their justification of the title of dominance is explained. The specific dominate groups are
those who identify as free individuals, able bodied individuals and Christians. A reflection of
personal recognition of membership, to dominate and subordinate groups, is included within this
paper. It is concluded that one can belong to a dominant group while existing as a member of the
subordinate group.
Keywords: dominate, subordinate,

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Introduction
Until taught or gaining experience, as a young child, there is no awareness of what has
occurred and what is currently happening in the world. Therefore, theorizing that individuals are
not initially knowledgeable of the fact that society has established social structure that classifies
and categorize individuals (Lum, 2011, p. 52) is justifiable. One of two categories that
individuals are a part of is subordinate, which is interchangeable with minority, and
underprivileged. The other is dominate. Dominate is interchangeable with majority or privileged.
Dominate and subordinate are due to social class distinctions. Distinctions of wealth, income,
occupation, community power and family status, are reflections of inequality amongst
individuals (Lott, 2002, p.54). Other characteristics that are distinctions include race, gender,
physical and mental ability, beliefs and education. Understanding ones position in society, as
parts of the classifications of dominate and subordinate, reveals understandings of ones self, in
relation to other individuals. According to Lum (2011, p.58), biases become internalized,
resulting in ones reasoning for identifying as a member of privileged or unprivileged groups.
Subordinate Group Membership
Minority, according to Lum (2011), is inferiority and unequal rankings, as well as denied
or limited access to resources. Compared to European Americans, African Americans are
subordinate to European Americans. As an African American, exposure to extreme
discrimination is daily, whereas Europeans are gladly accepted in the majority of places. African
Americans have difficulty obtaining decent jobs, especially if the competition or managers are of
European descent. Experiences while walking into an upscale store and having followers
suspecting theft demonstrates subordinance of African Americans. Fair skin color provides
advantages and simultaneously disadvantages to other ethnic groups (Sue, 2006, p.15). With
disadvantages for job and education opportunities, feelings of embarrassment, unworthiness, lack
of self-acceptance and approval arise. More effort is required to reach the same status as others.
Feelings of prevention from a better life are common.
Males are dominant to females because they are viewed as a more important contributing
factor to development within society. As explained by Miller (2015), womens suffrage
movement lasted from the year of 1848 until 1920, when the Nineteenth Amendment was finally
passed. Expectations of women to never interrupt male counterparts, depicts subordinance. As
female, there is confusion as far as ways to portray beauty. There is a constant concern of
whether or not apparel and makeup are acceptable or pleasing. As a female, depression
sometimes outweighs joy simply because of judgement. Intense and harsh judgment from
dominant counterparts results in a great deal of self-consciousness.
Lastly, as a lower class citizen, lack of money represents subordinance. As a lower class
individual, the ability to afford necessities is difficult to achieve. Clothing choices are never up to
date, food selections are limited and likely unhealthy, and the luxury of owning a home or
vehicle is often times out of the equation. Lower-class individuals are subordinate to those who
are in the upper class. Upper class individuals have better access to health and medical resources,
education, and careers. It is unlikely, as a lower class individual, to indulge in culturally diverse
lifestyle. As a lower class member, internalized classism, which Liu (2004) defines as feelings of
anxiety and incapability to maintain social class in the future, occurs often. Accomplishment,
success, and authority over anything seem nonexistent for lower class citizens.
Dominate

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Lum (201, p.55) defines majority as control of resources in numerical majority or

possessing the most force, money or connections. Free individuals are a part of dominant, or
majority groups. Those subordinate to free individuals, are those who are imprisoned. As a free
individual, traveling as you please is permitted. Society does not assume that free individuals
contribute negatively to the society. Those who are imprisoned are subjected to negative
judgement during and after incarceration. As a free individual, there is control of the daily
routine. One who is free can wake up at a chosen time, can access meals when desired, and is
allowed to engage in any activity eligible or desired. As a free individual, often times the feeling
of freedom is taken for granted but it is appreciated. Joy and happiness are common feelings of
free individuals because there is control of ones own body.
Ability to travel and connect spiritually with those who have the same beliefs establishes
Christianity as a dominant. As a Christian, there is overwhelming acceptance and praise. The
mindset and the thought processes as a Christian allows one to be able to always find help and
support from not only the natural realm but the spiritual realm. The subordinate group, in
comparison to Christian members, is atheist. As a Christian, there is membership to one of the
world's largest religious group. Research conducted by Hughes (2015), found that the concept of
belief versus practice influences attitudes against atheist. Normally, Christian believers perceive
non-believers in a negative way. Atheists do not practice or believe in the existence of a higher
power. As a Christian, a constant feeling of love is felt because receiving forgiveness and
opportunity for a new start is always available.
Finally, able bodies are dominant to persons with disabilities. As an able body, the style
of vehicles, the ease of entrance to and out of buildings and the design of almost all equipment,
which an individual engages with, is for those who are able-bodied. This is not the case for those
who are disabled. Persons with disability have considerable difficulty functioning throughout the
day within normal society (Lum, 2011, p. 438). Although those who are disabled have
equipment, such as wheelchairs and automatic doors, feelings of oppressions, inequality,
discrimination, and marginalization exist. As an able bodied individual, there is no need for
assistance from others or specially designed technology. Feelings of independence and strength
arise within able-bodied individuals. Ability to freely participate, in the majority of activities,
especially physical ones such as sports, is equivalent to a luxury for an able bodied individual.
Conclusion and Reflection
Recognition of membership to subordinate and dominant groups is a way to learn ones position
in society, as well as ones personal views of others within a society. An understanding of one's
process of judgement is achieved when determining membership of a dominant and subordinate
group. In early adolescence, awareness of the power difference is evident once there is an
establishment of which groups are subordinate to groups that are dominant and vice versa. Also,
as mentioned, during an individual's growth and development, lessons taught and events
witnessed allows the understanding of power differences. As a member of a dominant group, one
can, too, be a member of a subordinate group. In order to deal with denial of being oppressed and
oppressing others, one must avoid feelings of guilt and accept dominance or subordinance, as a
naturally occurring situation. Established societal views of what is dominate and subordinate is
not easily changed. An issue during this analysis was expressing judgement and stereotypes of
others that seemed non-existent. Realizing personal judgments and oppressive ways were also an
issue.

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5
References

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