Other describes something or someone that is different or separate from the one already mentioned or known.
From Old English “ōther” meaning “second, additional, different,” related to Germanic words for “second” and “the other one.” It has always marked a contrast or alternative.
This tiny word does big social work: it draws a line between ‘us’ and ‘them.’ When people talk about ‘the other,’ they’re not just describing difference—they’re often deciding who belongs and who doesn’t.
'Other' and 'othering' have been central to describing how dominant groups define women and gender minorities as outside the norm. Feminist and queer theory has analyzed how women, non-binary people, and gender-nonconforming individuals are constructed as 'the other' in language and culture.
Use 'other' carefully when categorizing people; avoid framing any gender as the default and others as deviations, and prefer explicit group names when possible.
["another","different","additional","people of other genders (if precise)"]
Women and gender-diverse scholars have developed critical theories of 'othering' that expose and challenge exclusionary language and structures.
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