Systemic pressures of secrecy: Unpacking the psychological and social costs of hidden truths
Original framing: “We all harbour 9 secrets and they are eating us up inside” — New Scientist
The history of secrecy is marked by its use as a tool of social control and oppression. From the Inquisition to modern-day surveillance states, secrecy has been used to maintain power and suppress marginalized groups. A historical analysis of secrecy reveals its complex and often fraught relationships with power and social dynamics.
The article's focus on individual secrets and their consequences neglects the systemic drivers of secrecy and its negative consequences.
By examining the intersections of secrecy with social hierarchy, cultural norms, and institutional structures, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of secrecy's impact. A decolonized understanding of secrecy, institutional reform, and community-based initiatives offer potential pathways for addressing the complex relationships between secrecy, power, and social dynamics.