The Spanish-Language Social Justice Glossary: 200+ Essential Advocacy Terms in Spanish
May 12, 2025 | By Shei Mendoza
A resource from Neta, a Latina and LGBTQ-owned creative agency dedicated to advancing social justice through strategic marketing, powerful branding and cultural storytelling.
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Introduction
Language is one of the most powerful tools for social change. The words we choose shape not only how we communicate about issues of justice and equity, but also how these messages are received and understood by diverse communities.
At Neta, we recognize that effective advocacy often requires communicating across languages and cultures. Spanish, spoken by over 460 million people worldwide, contains rich regional variations and cultural nuances that significantly impact how social justice messages are conveyed and interpreted. What resonates in Mexico may not have the same impact in Argentina, Spain, or Latino communities in the United States.
This comprehensive Spanish-English social justice glossary was developed through our experience working with over 125 organizations dedicated to creating positive social change. We've compiled more than 200 essential terms organized by thematic category, with concise definitions that capture the nuances necessary for effective and culturally competent communication.
Why a Bilingual Social Justice Glossary Matters
Message consistency: Maintain coherent messaging across multilingual campaigns
Cultural accuracy: Respect the specific cultural nuances of Spanish-speaking communities
Accessibility: Make complex concepts understandable to diverse audiences
Movement building: Facilitate collaboration between organizations and activists across regions
Authentic communication: Ensure your advocacy work resonates with the communities you serve
This resource is designed to be practical and accessible for nonprofits, social enterprises, advocates, and communicators working on social justice issues. We invite you to use it, share it, and most importantly, contribute your suggestions. Language evolves constantly, especially in social movements, and we value your expertise and knowledge.
Table of Contents
Racial Equality and Anti-Racism
Climate Justice and Environmental Protection
Economic Inequality and Poverty
Healthcare Access and Equity
Reproductive Rights and Justice
Immigration Rights and Reform
Criminal Justice Reform
Education Equity
Digital Rights and Internet Access
Gender Equality and Women's Rights
LGBTQ+ Rights and Equality
Racial Equality and Anti-Racism
Racial Equality and Anti-Racism | Igualdad Racial y Antirracismo
Addressing systemic racism, promoting racial equity, and combating discrimination in all areas of society.
Affirmative action | Acción afirmativa
Policies that seek to increase the representation of historically marginalized groups in areas such as education and employment.
Ally | Aliado
Person who does not belong to a marginalized group but actively supports the struggle for equality.
Decolonization | Descolonización
Process of dismantling colonial structures in society, education, and culture.
Diversity | Diversidad
Inclusion of people of different races, ethnicities, and backgrounds in a group or institution.
Implicit bias | Sesgo implícito
Attitudes or stereotypes that unconsciously affect our understanding, actions, and decisions.
Intersectionality | Interseccionalidad
Concept that recognizes how different forms of oppression (race, gender, class, etc.) interconnect and affect people.
Microaggressions | Microagresiones
Subtle comments or actions, often unintentional, that convey prejudice toward marginalized groups.
Racial equity | Equidad racial
Fair treatment and access to opportunities for all people, regardless of race.
Racial profiling | Profiling racial
Discriminatory practice of making assumptions about a person based on their race or ethnicity.
Reparations | Reparaciones
Compensation for historical injustices related to race, such as slavery or systematic discrimination.
Restorative justice | Justicia restaurativa
Approach that seeks to repair harm caused by racism and other forms of oppression.
Segregation | Segregación
Physical or social separation of people based on their race or ethnicity.
Systemic racism | Racismo sistémico
Systems, policies, and practices that produce and reproduce unjust outcomes based on race.
Tokenism | Tokenismo
Practice of making a superficial or symbolic effort to be inclusive toward minorities.
White privilege | Privilegio blanco
Social, political, and economic advantages that white people have over people of color in a society with racial inequality.
Climate Justice and Environmental Protection
Climate Justice and Environmental Protection | Justicia Climática y Protección Ambiental
Addressing climate change while ensuring that the burdens and benefits of environmental policies are distributed equitably.
Anthropocene | Antropoceno
Proposed geological era characterized by significant human impact on the planet.
Biodiversity | Biodiversidad
Variety of life on Earth at all levels, from genes to ecosystems.
Carbon footprint | Huella de carbono
Total amount of greenhouse gas emissions caused directly or indirectly by a person, organization, or product.
Circular economy | Economía circular
Economic model that aims to eliminate waste and maximize the continuous use of resources.
Citizen science | Ciencia ciudadana
Scientific research conducted by members of the general public.
Climate change | Cambio climático
Variation in climate attributed to human activity.
Climate justice | Justicia climática
Approach that views climate change as an ethical and political issue, not just an environmental one.
Climate migration | Migración climática
Displacement of people due to climate-related changes in the environment.
Climate refugees | Refugiados climáticos
People forced to leave their homes due to sudden or long-term environmental changes.
Deforestation | Deforestación
Removal of a forest or stand of trees to convert the land to non-forest use.
Ecofeminism | Ecofeminismo
Movement that sees a connection between the exploitation of nature and the oppression of women.
Ecology | Ecología
Study of interactions between organisms and their environment.
Ecotourism | Ecoturismo
Tourism directed at natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of the local population.
Energy poverty | Pobreza energética
Inability of a household to meet its basic energy needs.
Environmental justice | Justicia ambiental
Fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in the development and implementation of environmental laws.
Environmental racism | Racismo ambiental
Environmental injustice based on race.
Extractivism | Extractivismo
Economic model based on intensive exploitation of natural resources.
Global warming | Calentamiento global
Long-term increase in Earth's average temperature.
Greenhouse effect | Efecto invernadero
Process by which thermal radiation from a planetary surface is absorbed by atmospheric gases.
Just transition | Transición justa
Approach that seeks to ensure that the transition to a low-carbon economy is equitable.
Ozone layer | Capa de ozono
Region of Earth's atmosphere that absorbs most of the sun's ultraviolet radiation.
Pollution | Contaminación
Introduction of substances or energy into the environment, causing adverse effects.
Recycling | Reciclaje
Process of converting waste into new materials and objects.
Renewable energy | Energías renovables
Energy sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric.
Sustainable development | Desarrollo sostenible
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations.
Economic Inequality and Poverty
Economic Inequality and Poverty | Desigualdad Económica y Pobreza
Addressing the growing wealth gap, promoting fair wages, and ensuring access to economic opportunities for all.
Economic inequality | Desigualdad económica
Disparity in the distribution of income and wealth among individuals or groups in a society.
Financial inclusion | Inclusión financiera
Access to useful and affordable financial products and services for all segments of society.
Gini coefficient | Coeficiente de Gini
Statistical measure of inequality in income distribution within a population.
Glass ceiling | Techo de cristal
Invisible barrier that prevents certain groups, especially women and minorities, from advancing in their professional careers.
Inequality of opportunity | Desigualdad de oportunidades
Differences in access to resources and opportunities based on factors such as social or economic background.
Informal economy | Economía informal
Economic activities that operate outside of government regulation and control.
Minimum wage | Salario mínimo
Lowest amount of remuneration that employers can legally pay their workers.
Poverty | Pobreza
State of lacking economic and material resources necessary for a dignified life.
Poverty trap | Trampa de la pobreza
Mechanism that makes it difficult for people to escape poverty due to economic systems or structures.
Precarious work | Trabajo precario
Employment characterized by insecurity, low wages, and lack of labor protection.
Social mobility | Movilidad social
Possibility for individuals or groups to move between different socioeconomic levels.
Social security | Seguridad social
Government system that provides financial assistance and services to people with inadequate income.
Structural unemployment | Desempleo estructural
Unemployment caused by fundamental mismatches in the economy, such as technological changes.
Wealth gap | Brecha de riqueza
Significant difference in the amount of wealth owned by different groups in a society.
Wealth redistribution | Redistribución de la riqueza
Transfer of income and wealth from some individuals or groups to others through social mechanisms.
Healthcare Access and Equity
Healthcare Access and Equity | Acceso y Equidad en la Atención Médica
Ensuring equal access to quality healthcare, including mental health services, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Ancestral health knowledge | Saberes ancestrales en salud
Recognition and appreciation of the traditional health knowledge of indigenous and minority communities.
Awareness campaigns | Campañas de concientización
Initiatives to educate about inequalities in the health system.
Calls to action | Llamados a la acción
Specific ways readers can support health equity.
Care crisis | Crisis de cuidado
Situation where a community's basic health needs are not being met by the current system.
Change narratives | Narrativas de cambio
Stories that show progress and positive changes in healthcare access.
Collective healing | Sanación colectiva
Community approach to addressing trauma and mental health from a social justice perspective.
Community health power | Poder comunitario en salud
Capacity of communities to organize and demand better health services.
Community resources | Recursos comunitarios
Guides and directories of accessible health services.
Community voices | Voces comunitarias
Direct perspectives and experiences of community members about the health system.
Faces of inequality | Rostros de la desigualdad
Profiles that humanize healthcare inequality statistics.
Health activism | Activismo en salud
Actions and movements that fight to improve access to and quality of health services for all.
Healthcare without borders | Salud sin fronteras
Initiatives that seek to eliminate geographic and social barriers in healthcare access.
Impact stories | Historias de impacto
Real testimonies showing how lack of access to healthcare affects communities.
Language justice in healthcare | Justicia lingüística en salud
Right to receive medical information and services in the patient's preferred language.
Local solutions | Soluciones locales
Successful community projects that improve access to healthcare.
Medical resistance | Resistencia médica
Movements that challenge inequities and discrimination in the traditional health system.
Medicine for all | Medicina para todos
Movement that promotes universal access to essential medicines and treatments at fair prices.
Myths and realities | Mitos y realidades
Clarification of misconceptions about healthcare access.
Patient advocates | Defensores de pacientes
People who work to protect patients' rights and ensure they receive fair and adequate medical care.
Patient dignity | Dignidad del paciente
Fundamental right to receive medical care with respect and consideration, regardless of social or economic circumstances.
Patient rights | Derechos del paciente
Information about basic rights in the healthcare system.
Practical guides | Guías prácticas
Step-by-step information for navigating the healthcare system.
Right to health | Derecho a la salud
Fundamental human right to receive quality medical care without discrimination.
Underserved communities | Comunidades desatendidas
Groups that face significant barriers to accessing basic health services.
Reproductive Rights and Justice
Reproductive Rights and Justice | Derechos Reproductivos y Justicia
Protecting and expanding access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion rights, contraception, and comprehensive sex education.
Abortion access | Acceso al aborto
The ability to obtain safe, legal, affordable, and timely abortion services without unnecessary barriers or restrictions.
Abortion ban | Prohibición del aborto
Laws that partially or completely restrict access to abortion services.
Abortion rights | Derechos al aborto
Legal protections ensuring people have the right to choose whether to continue or terminate a pregnancy.
Access barriers | Barreras de acceso
Obstacles that prevent obtaining reproductive health services, including costs, location, and stigma.
Bodily autonomy | Autonomía corporal
Right to make decisions about one's own body and reproductive health without coercion or interference.
Comprehensive reproductive health | Salud reproductiva integral
Complete access to sexual and reproductive health services throughout life, including abortion care, contraception, prenatal
care, and more.
Comprehensive sex education | Educación sexual integral
Educational programs that cover all aspects of sexuality and reproductive health.
Culturally sensitive care | Atención culturalmente sensible
Reproductive health services that respect cultural traditions and values.
Family planning | Planificación familiar
Access to information and services to make reproductive decisions.
Forced pregnancy | Embarazo forzado
Condition where someone is compelled to continue an unwanted pregnancy due to legal restrictions, coercion, or lack of access to abortion services.
Informed consent | Consentimiento informado
Right to receive complete information to make decisions about reproductive health.
Legal abortion | Aborto legal
Termination of pregnancy that is permitted under the law and performed by qualified healthcare providers.
Maternal rights | Derechos maternos
Protections and rights during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
Medication abortion | Aborto con medicamentos
Termination of pregnancy using prescribed medications instead of surgical procedures.
Menstrual equity | Equidad menstrual
Universal access to menstrual products and education.
Obstetric violence | Violencia obstétrica
Physical or psychological mistreatment during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
Reproductive coercion | Coerción reproductiva
When someone interferes with another person's reproductive autonomy through manipulation, threats, or force.
Reproductive discrimination | Discriminación reproductiva
Unfair treatment based on reproductive decisions or status.
Reproductive freedom | Libertad reproductiva
The right to decide whether and when to have children without government interference or restriction.
Reproductive justice | Justicia reproductiva
Movement that connects reproductive health with social justice and human rights, focusing on the right to have children, not have children, and parent children in safe and sustainable communities.
Reproductive rights advocates | Defensores de derechos reproductivos
Activists who fight to protect and expand reproductive rights, including abortion access.
Reproductive stigma | Estigma reproductivo
Social discrimination related to reproductive health decisions, particularly around abortion care.
Safe abortion | Aborto seguro
Termination of pregnancy performed by trained healthcare providers in sanitary conditions, as opposed to unsafe abortions that endanger health.
Immigration Rights and Reform
Immigration Rights and Reform | Derechos y Reforma Migratoria
Protecting the rights of immigrants and refugees while pushing for comprehensive immigration reform.
Criminalization of migrants | Criminalización del migrante
Policies and practices that treat migration as a criminal act.
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) | DACA
Program protecting undocumented youth who arrived in childhood.
Dreamers | Dreamers
Young immigrants brought to the United States as children.
Essential workers | Trabajadores esenciales
Immigrants who perform work fundamental to society.
Family reunification | Reunificación familiar
Legal process allowing separated families to reunite across borders.
Family separation | Separación familiar
Practice of separating migrant families during immigration processes or deportation.
Immigrant advocates | Defensores de inmigrantes
Individuals and organizations fighting for immigrant community rights.
Immigration justice | Justicia migratoria
Movement seeking equity and dignity for all migrants.
Immigration legal defense | Defensa legal migratoria
Accessible legal services for immigration cases.
Migration trauma | Trauma migratorio
Psychological and emotional impact of the migration experience.
Mixed-status family | Generación mixta
Families where members have different immigration statuses.
Political asylum | Asilo político
Protection granted to individuals fleeing persecution in their countries of origin.
Raids | Redadas
Surprise operations by immigration authorities to detain undocumented individuals.
Remittances | Remesas
Money that migrant workers send to their families in their countries of origin.
Sanctuary | Santuario
Places or cities that limit their cooperation with immigration authorities to protect immigrants.
Support network | Red de apoyo
Communities and organizations providing resources and help to immigrants.
Undocumented | Sin papeles
Preferred term over "illegal" for individuals without official immigration status.
Xenophobia | Xenofobia
Discrimination or prejudice against people from other countries.
Criminal Justice Reform
Criminal Justice Reform | Reforma de Justicia Penal
Addressing systemic issues in the criminal justice system, including mass incarceration and police brutality.
Alternatives to incarceration | Alternativas al encarcelamiento
Programs offering different options than prison.
Cash bail | Fianza monetaria
System requiring payment for pre-trial freedom.
Community oversight | Vigilancia comunitaria
Direct participation of community members in supervising and reforming local police practices.
Community policing | Vigilancia comunitaria
Strategy emphasizing collaboration between police and community.
Criminalization of poverty | Criminalización de la pobreza
Policies that penalize conditions associated with poverty.
Decriminalization | Despenalización
Reducing or eliminating criminal penalties for certain acts.
Detainee rights | Derechos de los detenidos
Basic legal protections for people in police custody.
Independent oversight | Supervisión Independiente
Civilian oversight of police actions and the judicial system.
Judicial discrimination | Discriminación judicial
Unequal treatment in the justice system based on race, class, or gender.
Juvenile justice | Justicia juvenil
Special system for youth in conflict with the law, focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Mass incarceration | Encarcelamiento masivo
System that disproportionately incarcerates minorities and marginalized communities.
Police brutality | Brutalidad policial
Excessive use of force by law enforcement officers.
Police reform | Reforma policial
Systematic changes in police practices and policies for greater accountability.
Police trauma | Trauma policial
Psychological and emotional impact on communities affected by systematic police violence or harassment.
Public defenders | Defensores públicos
Lawyers assigned to represent people who cannot afford legal representation, often overloaded with cases.
Racial profiling | Perfil racial
Discriminatory practice of targeting police actions based on race or ethnicity.
Restorative justice | Justicia restaurativa
Approach that seeks to repair harm caused by crime through reconciliation.
Sentencing reform | Reforma de sentencias
Movement to change policies resulting in excessively long or disproportionate sentences.
Social reintegration | Reintegración social
Process of supporting former inmates' return to the community.
Education Equity
Education Equity | Equidad Educativa
Ensuring equal access to quality education, addressing disparities in educational resources and outcomes.
Classroom discrimination | Discriminación en el aula
Unequal treatment of students based on ethnicity, socioeconomic level, or gender.
Free school supplies | Útiles escolares gratuitos
Programs providing basic materials to guarantee access to education.
Indigenous education | Educación indígena
Programs that respect and preserve indigenous languages and cultures in education.
Poverty dropout | Deserción por pobreza
School abandonment due to family economic needs.
Right to education | Derecho a la educación
Fundamental right to receive public, free, and quality education.
Rural schools | Escuelas rurales
Educational centers in remote communities that frequently lack basic resources.
School community kitchens | Comedores comunitarios escolares
Spaces that guarantee meals for low-income students.
School scholarships | Becas escolares
Financial support for low-income students to continue their studies.
Digital Rights and Internet Access
Digital Rights and Internet Access | Derechos Digitales y Acceso a Internet
Protecting online privacy and freedom of expression, and promoting equitable access to digital technologies.
Digital censorship | Censura digital
Restriction or control of content and communication online.
Digital divide | Brecha digital
Inequality in access to technology and internet between different social groups.
Digital inclusion | Inclusión digital
Efforts to ensure that all communities have access to technology.
Digital literacy | Alfabetización digital
Skills needed to use digital technology effectively and safely.
Digital surveillance | Vigilancia digital
Monitoring of online activities that can threaten civil rights.
Net neutrality | Neutralidad de la red
Principle that all internet traffic should be treated equally.
Online privacy | Privacidad en línea
Right to protect personal information in digital spaces.
Rural connectivity | Conectividad rural
Internet access in communities far from urban centers.
Universal access | Acceso universal
Fundamental right to have connection to internet and digital technologies.
Web accessibility | Accesibilidad web
Design of websites usable by people with different abilities.
Gender Equality and Women's Rights
Gender Equality and Women's Rights | Igualdad de Género y Derechos de las Mujeres
Promoting equal rights and opportunities for all genders, combating gender-based violence and discrimination.
Domestic violence | Violencia doméstica
Abuse that occurs in the context of intimate or family relationships.
Female empowerment | Empoderamiento femenino
Process of strengthening women's autonomy and decision-making power.
Femicide | Feminicidio
Murder of women because of their gender.
Gender parity | Paridad de género
Balanced representation of genders in power and decision-making spaces.
Gender-based violence | Violencia de género
Violence directed against a person because of their gender.
Glass ceiling | Techo de cristal
Invisible barriers that prevent women's professional advancement.
Machismo | Machismo
Attitudes and behaviors of discrimination based on the belief in male superiority.
Maternal rights | Derechos maternos
Protections for working and pregnant mothers.
Not One Less | Ni Una Menos
Movement against gender-based violence in Latin America.
Sexual harassment | Acoso sexual
Unwanted sexual conduct that creates a hostile environment.
Sisterhood | Sororidad
Solidarity among women in their struggle for equality.
Street harassment | Acoso callejero
Forms of harassment women face in public spaces.
Support network | Red de apoyo
Communities and organizations that support survivors of gender-based violence.
Wage gap | Brecha salarial
Difference in pay between men and women for the same work.
Workplace equity | Equidad laboral
Equal opportunities and treatment in the work environment.
LGBTQ+ Rights and Equality
LGBTQ+ Rights and Equality | Derechos e Igualdad LGBTQ+
Promoting equal rights, protections, and social acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community.
Allies | Aliados
People who actively support LGBTQ+ rights.
Chosen family | Familia elegida
Non-biological family bonds created within LGBTQ+ communities, especially important for those rejected by their families of origin.
Cisgender | Cisgénero
Person whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth.
Coming out | Salir del clóset
Process of disclosing one's sexual orientation or gender identity to others.
Diverse families | Familias diversas
Recognition of different LGBTQ+ family structures.
Gender affirming care | Atención de afirmación de género
Healthcare services that affirm and support a person's gender identity, including psychological support, hormone therapy, and surgical procedures.
Gender binary | Binarismo de género
Social system that categorizes people into only two genders (masculine and feminine) based on biological sex.
Gender dysphoria | Disforia de género
Psychological distress that results from an incongruence between one's assigned gender at birth and one's gender identity.
Gender expression | Expresión de género
Way a person expresses their gender identity through behavior, clothing, hair, voice, or body characteristics.
Gender identity | Identidad de género
Personal sense of one's own gender.
Gender-inclusive language | Lenguaje inclusivo de género
Language that avoids bias toward a particular sex or gender, including gender-neutral options.
Hate crimes | Crímenes de odio
Violence specifically directed against LGBTQ+ individuals.
Heteronormativity | Heteronormatividad
Belief system that assumes heterosexuality as the norm and promotes traditional gender roles.
Homophobia | Homofobia
Discrimination and prejudice against LGBTQ+ people.
LGBTQ+ healthcare | Salud LGBTQ+
Access to inclusive and specialized medical services.
LGBTQ+ Pride | Orgullo LGBTQ+
Celebration of LGBTQ+ identity and rights struggle.
LGBTQ+ visibility | Visibilidad LGBTQ+
Positive representation in media and public spaces.
Marriage equality | Matrimonio igualitario
Legal right to marriage between people of the same gender.
Misgendering | Malgenerar
Referring to someone using language (especially pronouns) that does not align with their gender identity.
Non-binary | No binario
Gender identity that falls outside the traditional male-female binary.
Pronouns | Pronombres
Words used to refer to a person in place of their name (he/him, she/her, they/them, elle in Spanish, etc.) that reflect their gender identity.
Queer | Queer
Umbrella term for sexual and gender identities that are not exclusively heterosexual or cisgender.
Safe spaces | Espacios seguros
Places where LGBTQ+ people can express themselves freely without discrimination.
Sexual diversity | Diversidad sexual
Recognition and respect for different sexual orientations and gender identities.
Sexual orientation | Orientación sexual
Pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction to men, women, both genders, neither gender, or another gender.
Trans rights | Derechos trans
Specific protections for transgender and non-binary people.
Transgender | Transgénero
Person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
Transition | Transición
Process of changing one's gender presentation and/or sex characteristics to align with one's internal sense of gender identity.
Transphobia | Transfobia
Fear, hatred, disbelief, or mistrust of transgender people or those who are perceived as transgender.
Workplace discrimination | Discriminación laboral
Unfair treatment at work based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
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This glossary is a living document that evolves alongside language and social movements. If you have suggestions for additional terms, alternative definitions, or corrections, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us here.
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Meet the Author
Shei Mendoza| People Business Partner & Advisor
Born in the vibrant heart of Mexico, and nurtured amidst the mountains of Vermont, Shei has cultivated a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives. Driven by her passion for multicultural communication and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), she launched her career by recruiting patients from underserved communities for wellness and oncology programs, guiding them through the healthcare system. Over the last ten years, Shei has advanced her expertise in Life Sciences, gaining experience in talent acquisition, global partnership development, employment law, policies/procedures, system implementation, and compensation.