marginal man

American  

noun

Sociology.

1. a person who participates only slightly in the life of two cultural groups without feeling identified with either group.

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Etymology

Origin of marginal man

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

But knowing that the painter was a black freedman prompts one to speculate about the relationship between the solidly respectable sitter and the socially marginal man who immortalised him.

From Economist • Jan. 15, 2015

To some of the more sophisticated in the game, he rates as a marginal man.

From Time Magazine Archive

The guard is mainstream society’s last representative; the inmate, its most marginal man.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

We have heard much about the "marginal man," but the first concern of society should be for the bottom man.

From The Holy Earth by Bailey, L. H. (Liberty Hyde)

The marginal man; a study in personality and culture conflict. © 7Jun37; A107357.

From U.S. Copyright Renewals, 1964 July - December by Library of Congress. Copyright Office