Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

The category of oppression where individuals do not directly act but gain benefits from the oppression aligns with the concept of secondary oppression. In this context, secondary oppression refers to the situation where those who are not directly involved in the oppression of a marginalized group still receive advantages or privileges as a result of the systemic inequality that exists in society. These individuals may not engage in harmful behaviors towards the oppressed but still benefit from a social system that is structured in a way that favors them over others.

This concept is critical to understanding how societal structures and norms perpetuate inequalities, as it highlights the complicity of those who may consider themselves passive bystanders or who are unaware of the privileges they possess. In many cases, secondary oppressors may be seen as beneficiaries of the oppressive system, which underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing not only overt acts of oppression but also the more subtle, systemic advantages that contribute to ongoing inequalities within society.