Topic 5: labelling + stigma Flashcards
Define label
- A name represents something = MS, Down’s, stupid, dumb
- Label can be scientific + social = give meaning
- Can be used for identifying and diagnosis
Why may people ascribe labels?
- In order to feel they control what they don’t understand
- Labeling gives people framework to understand + take according actions
- Use diagnosis to justify + support own views
What is the importance of labeling?
- Socially important as it can lead to stigma + draw boundaries between labeled/not labeled
Define stigma
- Label in action
What makes a condition stigmatizing
- Not automatically stigmatizing
- 1st labeled -> stigmatized when possessor dissociated from others + made to feel shame about condition
Define HIV stigma
Associated with personal responsibility + infection + promiscuity
Define epilepsy stigma
Due to disturbing epileptic episodes + lack of knowledge
Define down’s stigma
Due to physical characteristics + developmental delay
How does Goffman define stigma?
- Stigma may spoil the sufferer’s identity = self fulfilling prophecy
- E.g. labelled as slow may cause person to think that’s what they are and behave that way
Describe the side effects of stigma
- Leads to low self-esteem
- Low self-efficacy
- Less likely to seek medical help
- Less likely to adhere to therapy
Explain the importance of knowing about stigma
- Helps doctors communicate better with patients
- Understand more about patient + establish good rapport = improve adherence
- Stigma leads to chronic stress = associated with other health problems
Explain how clinicians stigmatize their patients
- May be directly or indirectly
- Directly = refuse patient with HIV
- Indirectly = devalue/underestimate patients capability to understand
Explain how we can reduce stigma
- Educate patients on how to deal with stigma
- Inform public about nature + causes + epidemiology
- Inform public what is stigma + effect on people
- Educate from a young age
- Train healthcare professionals + address stigmatizing behavior
Describe the mechanism of labelling
- Illness is a form of deviance = deviates from social norms
- There are 2 types:
1) Primary deviance
2) Secondary deviance - If primary -> no labeling -> no social reaction
- if secondary -> labeling -> stigma
Define primary deviance
- Presence of condition not officially diagnosed/labeled yet
- Absence of label has marginal implications = doesn’t activate social reactions
Define secondary deviance
- Presence of condition + official diagnosis = social labeling = condition known
- Label = social reactions
What are the 3 types of stigma?
1) Enacted = actual discrimination = e.g. refused service for condition
2) Felt = internalized negative feelings about self = e.g. feel useless
3) Courtesy = by association = e.g. discrimination against relatives + they themselves feel shame
What are the 3 situations of stigmatization?
1) Discredited = others know + stigmatize = e.g. denied employment due to condition
2) Obtrusiveness = different environments elicit different degrees of stigma
3) Discreditable = others don’t know + sufferer is afraid = e.g. HIV scared to disclose status = may spread if no protection taken with sex
What are the 3 responses to stigma?
1) Change body = dress differently
2) Emphasis on other parts of self = work on capabilities
3) Present experience as inspiring = change way of thinking
