Stigma and Prejudice Flashcards
Oxford English Dictionary definitions of stigma
- A mark or spot on the skin
- A mark of disgrace or infamy
- Visible sign/characteristic of a disease
Goffman’s definition of stigma
- An attribute that is deeply discrediting
- Reduces the bearer from a whole and usual person to a tainted, discounted one
Social causes of stigma
- Some characteristics are seen as “undesirable”
- Differences between times/cultures
- Impact of powerful people and institutions
Social effects of stigma
- People can experience emotional reactions to labelled people (eg. fear, repulsion)
- Labelled people may feel shame/humiliation
- Labelled people may experience status loss and discrimination
Why is stigma important in healthcare?
- Important elements in the experience of illness
- Special care needs for people with a visible health condition
- Potentially delay in help seeking
- Stigma and prejudice can influence health practitioners and policies
Goffman’s 3 types of stigma
- Abominations of the body (physical disfigurement/deviations from a social norm)
- Blemishes of character (a known record (eg. alcoholism) seen as character flaw)
- Tribal identities (negative evaluation of people due to association with a particular group)
What can stigma of physical deformities lead to?
- Heightened social anxiety
- Embarrassment
- Depression
- Low self-esteem
- Social withdrawal
- Isolation
What are some potentially stigmatising activites/experiences?
- Drug/alcohol addiction
- Time spent in prison
- Long term unemployment
- Prostitution
- Mental illness
- “Alternative” sexualities
What is courtesy stigma?
Idea that stigma “rubs off” on people close to the stigmatised person
When is a person discredited?
When they have a sign of a stigmatising condition which cannot be disguised (they are forced to deal with it in almost all interactions)
When is a person discreditable?
When it is possible for them to conceal a sign of a stigmatising condition
What is enacted stigma?
When people stare/avoid/express disgust due to a stigmatising condition
What is felt stigma?
The feelings of guilt, shame, etc. when a person has a stigmatising condition
What does a “spoiled identity” imply?
An individual’s social identity is dominated by the stigmatised illness/attribute
Methods of managing a “spoiled identity”
- Passing as normal (concealing signs)
- Information control (deciding who to trust)
- Avoiding all social contact
- Trying to avoid blame (focusing on role of genetics, stressing responsible behaviour)
- Refusing to be ashamed (seeking group solidarity and pride)
