ABSTRACT
Oppression is one of the most destructive forces in family life. It robs individuals of their dignity, denies and negates their abilities, encourages obedience rather than participation, and creates a sense of insecurity and personal vulnerability. Oppression is often identified as a major player in problems within business-owning families. Thus its active presence is likely to damage any family business's viability. Within a family, oppression is a violation of kinship rights. But more to the point: oppression produces the antithesis of the very kind of person you want parenting a child, sitting on a board of directors, or holding a senior management position.
