Social equity & workplace
Microaggression
Definition
Microaggressions are the everyday slights, put-downs, invalidations and offensive behaviours that people of marginalised groups experience in daily interactions, often from well-intentioned people unaware of their impact (Derald Wing Sue). The term was coined in the 1970s by psychiatrist Chester M. Pierce to describe subtle indignities experienced by Black Americans.
References
Supports definition and framing.
Overview
What it means
Common forms include stereotyping, assumptions of inferiority or criminality, invalidation of experience, and backhanded compliments. Individually small, their cumulative effect degrades belonging, wellbeing and performance.
How it is used
Diversity, equity and inclusion programmes train staff to recognise and interrupt microaggressions; climate and conservation organisations address them as part of workforce equity and retention.
Why it matters
A sustainable transition depends on broad participation; unchecked microaggressions drive talented people out of sectors — including the environmental field itself — and signal deeper structural inequities.