Relative Privilege and the Seduction of Normativity

Abstract

Traditional ways of understanding relational unconscious dynamics have not always accounted for power dynamics, particularly those connected with social identity. This article explores the role of identity and introduces the idea of relative privilege. The author argues privileged identities are amplified, whereas marginalized identities are minimized because of a desire for inclusion and belonging to the norm. The norm is positioned as a dominant collective narrative that is seductive. Links are made between the relevance of the collective with the subjectivity of individuals.

Keywords:

• Collective
• norms
• oppression
• relative privilege
• deception
• alienation
• extractive introjection
• symbiosis
• dependency
• transactional analysis

Disclosure statement

The author declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Karen Minikin

Karen Minikin, BA (Hons.) (counseling), MSc (psychotherapy), UKCP-registered psychotherapist, Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst (psychotherapy), Diploma in Clinical Supervision, is a member of EATA, IARTA, UKATA, and the ITAA. She runs a private clinical and supervision practice in Wellington, Somerset, England. She teaches at the Iron Mill and is also a peripatetic tutor and supervisor. Karen can be reached at 11 Fore St., Wellington, TA21 8AA, United Kingdom; email: [email protected]