In search of humanity; A review of theories of infra-humanization and de-humanization

What is the cornerstone of humanity and what does it mean to deny human qualities, which is meant as dehumanization? To achieve a comprehensive definition of the concept of humanity and dehumanization, the present study reviews the recent theories that constitute their main constituents. In this regard, studies that have sought to integrate existing views on these concepts, divide humanity into dual aspects, some of which are unique to humans and others to the nature of being human. Consequently, the conceptualization of humanity, the denial of each aspect or both, creates different manifestations of dehumanization. De-humanization has common and serious consequences, such as reduced pro-social behavior, parochial empathy, increased antisocial behavior, and violations of the moral rights of de-humanized individuals and groups, this has led to the need to pay more attention to ways to prevent and mitigate the occurrence of this phenomenon and its consequences. In this regard, studies have proposed strategies such as increasing social contact and creating a shared identity beyond conventional biases.