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allyship

/ˈælaɪˈʃɪp/
IPA guide

Other forms: allyships

Allyship is the state of being on someone's side. It's a term used in diplomatic relations between nations, as well as in the context of social advocacy.

An ally can be a friendly nation, or it can be anyone who provides cooperation and assistance. In a historical context, the term allyship referred to the formal cooperation between nations or political parties for a mutual benefit, such as defense or trade. It is still used in this political sense, but in modern sociological contexts, the term is often used to refer to people who use their own social power on behalf of marginalized groups. It focuses on using one's own influence or privilege to advocate for others and challenge unfair treatment.

Definitions of allyship
  1. noun
    the state of being in a supportive relationship with another
  2. noun
    the practice of actively supporting and fighting for the rights of an oppressed or marginalized group without being part of that group
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