Stigma and Prejudice

Question 1

What are the definitions of stigma?

Answer 1

• a mark of disgrace or infamy
• an attribute that is deeply discrediting and reduced the bearer from a whole and usual person to a tainted, discounted one
• a mark that sets a person apart and links the marked person to undesirable characteristics

Question 2

What are the 3 classifications of stigma?

Answer 2

tribal identities = negative evaluation of people due to association with a particular group
abominations of the body = physical deformations or deviations from a social norm
belimishes of character = stigmas associated with a persons character, identity, or simply the particular way or being

Question 3

What the effects of stigma relating to a physcial deformity?

Answer 3

heightened social anxiety
embarasssement
depression
low self-esteem
social withdrawel
isolation

Question 4

What is discredited stigma?

Answer 4

stigma is manifest, it can be seen openly, individuals forced to deal with their stigma in almost all interactions

Question 5

What is discreditable stigma?

Answer 5

a person who posses a stigmatising characteristic that cannot be obviously and immediately discredited. This characteristic may often be disguised of covered

Question 6

What is courtesy stigma?

Answer 6

stigma from being related to or being in close proximity to someone who is stigmatised

Question 7

What is felt stigma?

What is enacted stigma?

Answer 7

Felt = refers to shame and expection of discrimination that prevents people from talking about their experiences and stops them seeking help
Enacted = actual experience of people treated differently because of stigma

Question 8

What are some coping mechanisms for stigma?

Answer 8

• physical removal of the stigma
• removal of the person - isolation
• stigmatised person may master those areas that stigmatise them e.g. speech impediment
• may seek out sympathetic others
• can learnt the tricks of the trade