The Components of Dehumanization

Abstract

Dehumanization is a complex, relational and subjective phenomenon. Studies on it primarily focus on how it enables abuse in the midst of conflict, or how it shapes perceptions of others. Scholars, however, have not deconstructed it into components. The current article breaks down dehumanization into three components: elements, characteristics, and dimensions. It is hoped that the discussion of the connection between the three can encourage additional discussions on how each of the components contributes to dehumanization and how that can help towards undermining it. Until the phenomenon is understood from its most basic to its most elaborate parts, undermining dehumanization as a means to securing positive peace will remain challenging. The components came to the fore through the content analysis of dehumanization in anecdotes from survivors of the Holocaust. The latter study looked into the use of non-human referents applied to humans or their lived experiences. The findings were additionally considered in light of the literature on perpetrators and of samples that matched search criteria but were not deemed dehumanizing.

(De)humanization and trust in an asymmetric Muslim–Christian conflict: Heroes, Kafirs, and Satanas.

“…The extensive occurrence of dehumanization in social relations affects interpersonal, institutional, and structural types of violence and peace (Barak, 2003). Studies have linked (de)humanization to language, emotion, ideology, behavior, laws, and institutions of society (Luna, 2015).…”

Cultural dehumanization in Holocaust testimonials.

“…The comparison revealed that their use encompassed several overlapping themes affecting various areas of life. "Areas of life" is a thematic category derived from the (Luna, 2015). This document is copyrighted by the American Psychological Association or one of its allied publishers.…”

“…anecdotes reviewed that helped to visually reduce the data into tables (Luna, 2015). The associated themes covered perceptions of self or other; the physical and spatial experience of dehumanization; personal or others' behaviors; and limited conditions, rituals, or attitudes.…”

“…The comparison revealed that their use encompassed several overlapping themes affecting various areas of life. “Areas of life” is a thematic category derived from the anecdotes reviewed that helped to visually reduce the data into tables (Luna, 2015). The associated themes covered perceptions of self or other; the physical and spatial experience of dehumanization; personal or others’ behaviors; and limited conditions, rituals, or attitudes.…”

“…Characteristics of dehumanization deconstructed. Used with permission(Luna, 2015). This document is copyrighted by the American Psychological Association or one of its allied publishers.This article is intended solely for the personal use of the individual user and is not to be disseminated broadly.…”