Othering
We speak of othering when a group or a person differentiates themselves from another group by describing the non-native group as different and alien. This usually occurs within a power imbalance: those described as different are affected by discrimination and therefore have few opportunities to defend themselves against the ascription.
Othering describes the distancing from a group whose characteristics, needs and abilities are emphasised as being special. Regardless of whether the characteristics at the centre of attention are seen as positive or negative, they are interpreted as deviating from the norm and the people belonging to the group are thus marginalised. In most cases, however, the other group is devalued in comparison and one's own positive self-image is created through this devaluation: in order to form and strengthen one's own group identity and confirm it as the norm, it is necessary to differentiate oneself from the other group.
The characteristics, needs and abilities that serve as distinguishing features for the dominant group often correspond to the dimensions of discrimination specified in the General Equal Treatment Act. Groups are, for example, made into others because of their religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or racist attributions. The group is perceived as a unit and held responsible as a whole for the actions of individuals, for example.
The term othering is sometimes translated into German as VerAnderung or Fremd-Machung.
Source: Diversity Arts Culture