In social justice theory, internalized oppression is a concept in which an oppressed group accepts the methods and incorporates the oppressive message of the oppressing group against their own best interest. Rosenwasser (2002) defines it as believing, adopting, accepting, and incorporating the negative beliefs provided by the oppressor as the truth. It occurs when a dominating group preemptively displays aggression from a perceived inequality of self-worth compared to the group it wants to dominate with the intention of establishing themselves as a highly-valued/ superior group in order to achieve authority and power, and its benefits, also known as practice of cultural imperialism among many forms of oppression.

Members of marginalized groups as a part of socialisation in an oppressive environment assimilates the oppressive view of their own group, or affirm negative self-stereotypes onto their psyche, and limits their reach socially and reproduces disadvantageous behavior patterns by not engaging in active responsibility for one's own and the group's well-being (e.g. counterspaces),and as a result colludes for forming an "assaulted sense of self." Internalized oppression may manifest on an individual or group level, and may form as base for in-group conflict and further discrimination that can be hurtful and limiting.

It may also exist among immigrants and based upon the transgenerational trauma, it may affect their descendants as well. If the host community devalues a foreigner's ethnic origin, native language or culture, an immigrant is led to feel inferior. This can lead to self-hatred, which manifests itself in an exaggerated conformity to dominant norms. An immigrant may cope to it by assimilating and acculturating.