Reconsider the Anger of Marginalized Communities

Abstract

Anger is an apt and justified response to wrongdoings, yet conventional approaches commonly view it as an intrapersonal problem that solely demands cognitive or behavioral interventions. Mainstream treatments of anger often neglect its contextual factors, potentially invalidating the legitimate grievances of marginalized people. This paper challenges these views by examining existing literature, and rethinks the role of anger by placing it within the contexts of social power structures. It argues that anger-related processes can constitute affective injustice, further perpetuating systemic oppression and injustice. To advance sociocultural competency in treating anger among marginalized people, this paper offers practical guidance, such as the role of client autonomy in the anger treatment process and a systemic conceptualization of anger rooted in systems theory. It also recommends key directions for future research, such as the intersectionality of anger regulation among marginalized communities. Ultimately, the paper is not about introducing novel models or interventions for treating anger but rather seeks to shift the focus from merely approaching anger as a clinical problem to addressing its systemic roots, empowering clinicians to incorporate these factors into the treatment process.