被差別

• Reading: ひさべつ
• Romaji: hisabetsu
• Kanji breakdown: 被 (hi) — subjected to; 差 (sa) — difference; 別 (betsu) — distinction
• Pronunciation: /çi.sa.be.tsɯ/

Meaning

Being discriminated against; oppressed status. Used to describe a group or individual who is or has been subjected to discrimination.

Primarily appears as a modifier in compound nouns such as 被差別部落 (discriminated-against hamlet — referring to communities of Burakumin, the historically marginalised group in Japan) and 被差別民族 (oppressed ethnic minority). The term is strongly associated with discussions of systemic discrimination in Japanese history and social policy. Using 被差別 signals awareness of structural inequality rather than treating discrimination as an individual incident.

Examples

1. 被差別部落の出身者が直面してきた就職差別は、日本の人権問題の中でも深刻な課題の一つだ。 Employment discrimination faced by those from discriminated-against communities is one of the most serious human rights issues in Japan.
2. 被差別の立場に置かれた人々が声を上げられるよう、社会的な支援体制の整備が求められている。 Social support systems are needed so that people placed in a position of discrimination can make their voices heard.
3. この地域では被差別の歴史を学ぶための教育プログラムが長年にわたって継続されている。 In this region, educational programmes to learn about the history of discrimination have been continued for many years.

Usage Guide

Context: social issues, human rights, history, sociology, education

Tone: serious, academic

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound: 被 (hi) — to be subjected to; 差別 (sabetsu) — discrimination, differentiation. 差別 itself comes from 差 (difference) + 別 (distinction). Used widely in post-war social movements and academic writing on discrimination in Japan.

Cultural Context

Era: Showa-Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: Educated