Dehumanization is a process that involves stripping a person of their humanity, either by denying them basic human rights or by discrediting their inherent value as human beings. This phenomenon is a central mechanism in various forms of abuse, from tyrannical oppression to individual mistreatment, perpetuating cycles of suffering and violence. Understanding how dehumanization operates helps us better recognize it in society and take steps to protect our mental health and the well-being of others.

What Is Dehumanization?

Dehumanization can be viewed as a denial of a person's humanity, reducing them to something less than human. Perpetrators use dehumanization to justify mistreatment, portraying victims as undeserving of basic human rights. Conversely, victims internalize this dehumanization, feeling ostracized and unworthy of respect. Human existence is inherently social; our personal boundaries are both psychologically and legally/morally protected. In response to violence, neglect, or suffering, natural defense mechanisms such as isolation and withdrawal may activate as a means of coping and self-preservation. The pressure to belong to a group is also a powerful force. Our ancestors formed communities to protect one another from predators and threats. The fear of being excluded from such groups—the loss of safety and support—can feel deeply unsettling. Therefore, a key aspect of dehumanization is not just about harming individuals physically or emotionally; it also involves stripping them of the right to form communities and find safety in numbers. When this right is denied, the individual becomes vulnerable and often becomes a victim of social isolation.

The Right to Protection and Belonging

At the core of dehumanization is the balance between personal isolation and the need for connection. Every individual has the right to isolate themselves from harmful situations or individuals. For example, if a person is experiencing abuse or harm, they have the legal and moral right to protect themselves and remove themselves from those environments. Conversely, a person must retain the opportunity to find their own community—a group where they can feel safe, accepted, and supported. When this right is taken away, the person becomes vulnerable to manipulation and mistreatment. Those who deprive others of this opportunity for safety, either by enforcing isolation or by denying them access to supportive groups, engage in an act of dehumanization.

The Role of Dehumanization in Violence and Oppression

Dehumanization serves several purposes, depending on the situation. A primary motive is to facilitate control and manipulation of the target. When someone behaves in a way that threatens the narcissistic or authoritarian tendencies of another, they may be deprived of basic needs—care, attention, support, and social interaction—as a form of punishment. However, there is a critical distinction between removing communication to protect yourself from harm and doing so to manipulate someone into meeting your own needs or conforming to your expectations. The latter is an act of dehumanization, one that strips the individual of their humanity and reinforces their sense of worthlessness. For example, if a person becomes overly intrusive or inappropriate, cutting off communication might be a reasonable way to protect yourself. However, if you deny a child the love and care they need because you don't like their behavior or emotions, you are engaging in a form of dehumanization. It’s a form of abuse that takes advantage of the child’s dependency on you.

Submission to Authority and Dehumanization

Another aspect of dehumanization is forcing others to submit to one's authority. Whether it's a person, a family, or a larger community, dehumanization often targets individuals who challenge the power of the "authority figure." When people are prevented from forming their own communities or expressing their own autonomy, they are stripped of their dignity and subjected to manipulation. For example, a narcissistic partner might restrict access to social support in an attempt to control their significant other, telling them not to speak to family members or friends. This isolation increases dependency on the narcissist, allowing them to maintain control over the victim’s life. Similarly, entire groups, such as certain ethnic communities or religious minorities, can be subjected to systemic dehumanization, often with the goal of preventing them from challenging the existing power structure.

Sadism and the Desire to Inflict Pain

Another important motive behind dehumanization is sadism—the desire to inflict emotional or physical pain on others. Sadistic behavior is often driven not by pleasure but by a need to manage internal emotional distress. The victim becomes a target for the projection of the perpetrator's anger and dissatisfaction, and by instilling feelings of worthlessness, the perpetrator seeks to maintain control and power. For example, sadistic behavior isn’t motivated by a desire for pleasure but rather as a means of coping with emotional suffering. The victim becomes a target for the sadist to project their anger and dissatisfaction. By making the victim feel worthless, the sadist can maintain a sense of control and power.

How Propaganda Fuels Dehumanization

Dehumanization doesn't only occur on an individual scale. On a larger scale, it can be driven by propaganda, which manipulates entire populations into viewing a group of people as less than human. This can be seen in numerous historical examples, where groups have been targeted for extermination or systemic oppression because they were dehumanized by those in power. The Rwandan Genocide, where propaganda portrayed the Tutsi minority as subhuman, exemplifies this on a mass scale, resulting in the deaths of nearly one million people. Similar dehumanization campaigns have been used to justify violence and persecution against religious, political, and racial minorities globally.

The Impact of Dehumanization on Society

The effects of dehumanization are devastating, not only for the victim but for the perpetrator as well. It erodes the fundamental principles of morality and law, leading to cycles of violence and injustice. When individuals are stripped of their humanity, it becomes easier for the perpetrator to justify acts of cruelty or neglect. In turn, this creates a toxic environment where trust, empathy, and cooperation are lost, and society as a whole suffers. Dehumanization doesn’t just affect the people directly involved; it spreads. When people stop seeing others as human beings, it becomes easier to disregard their rights, their needs, and their emotions. It creates a toxic environment that fuels further division and conflict.

Conclusion: The Power of Empathy and Respect

Dehumanization is a powerful force that can destroy relationships, communities, and entire societies. However, by recognizing its signs and understanding its impact, we can begin to combat it. It is crucial that we protect each other’s rights and dignity and reject the manipulation of those who seek to dehumanize others for their own gain. Empathy, respect, and compassion are the antidotes to dehumanization. By valuing the humanity of others and defending their rights, we can create a society that is safe, supportive, and just. We must learn to recognize the signs of dehumanization, not just in others but within ourselves, and work together to ensure that everyone is treated with the respect they deserve.