WEEK 7: STIGMA Flashcards
what is stigma?
a mark of disgrace; a stain, as on one’s reputation
How does stigmatization occur?
- A distinction is made and human differences are labelled
- Labelled persons are linked to undesirable characteristics and/or to negative stereotypes
- Separating “them” from “us”
- Discrimination and loss of status
- The exercise of power over the stigmatised group
Why do we stigmatise?
- All diseases carry social value
- To determine a social hierarchy
- Coping mechanism
- Ignorance
- Satisfaction from knowing you’re superior to someone else
- Evolution psychology
- Avoid association to discredited groups
what are the Effects of stigma on the individual
- Depression
- Less social
- Limited or small social networks (friends)
- Non-compliance with treatment
- Low self-esteem
- Self-stigmatization: a person believes they deserve stigma and blame themselves (withdraw and become secretive)
- People deny symptoms
- Drop out of treatment/ psychiatric treatment
how is Stigma a public health issue
- people conceal their condition
- they avoid testing for infectious diseases, or avoid early testing, increasing opportunity for transmission
- they do not adhere to treatment
- Stigmatized person may be unwilling to disclose this information - fear of repercussions, eg further stigma
what is discrimination and what are the three major forms?
the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex. 3 major forms:
- Direct discrimination
- Structural discrimination
- Modified labelling
what are the anti-discrimination laws in Australia?
- Age Discrimination Act 2004
- Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986
- Disability Discrimination Act 1992
- Racial Discrimination Act 1975
- Sex Discrimination Act 1984
What are some deficiencies in Australian Anti-discrimination laws?
- Are reactive and complaints-based
- Fail to actively promote equality or address systemic discrimination
- Don’t address all grounds of discrimination or intersectional discrimination. Under domestic law, sex, race, age and disability are all protected attributes. This is a narrower set of grounds than under international human rights treaties and does not include
- Are ineffective in areas that have been granted permanent exemptions, for example under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Commonwealth), sporting clubs, religious bodies and charities are permanently exempt from the operation of the Act.
what is health equity?
a situation in which groups with different levels of underlying social advantage or disadvantage (wealth, power, or prestige) do not experience health inequalities associated solely with social positioning. Health equity refers to the study and causes of differences in the quality of health and healthcare across different populations.
what are the two theories of justice
- Arrangement-focused (focus on structures)
What are just institutional arrangements for a society? Focus is upon perfect or ideal justice rather than comparisons distinguishing ‘more just’ from ‘less just’ approaches. - Realisation-focused (focus on agency)
Comparisons of societies that already exist, or could exist, in the interests of finding more just solutions. Primary interest in removing injustice.
what are capabilities and what are some examples
To function effectively in modern society, people need a range of capabilities otherwise they are disadvantaged’. Capability is a potential; functioning is actuality. Examples: ¥ Live a life of normal length ¥ Bodily health ¥ Bodily integrity ¥ Senses, imagination and thought
what is social inclusion?
where all people feel valued, their differences are respected, and their basic needs are met so they can live in dignity. Being socially included means that people have the resources (skills and assets, including good health), opportunities and capabilities
what is social exclusion?
complex and multi-dimensional process. It involves the denial of resources, rights, good and services, and the inability to participate in normal relationships and activities available to the majority of people in a society, whether in economic, social, cultural or political arenas. It affects both the quality of life of individuals and the equity and cohesion of society as a whole.
What are 5 priority areas in health equality?
Bad Cats Smell Dead Rats
- Build healthy public policy
- Create supportive environments
- Strengthen community action
- Develop personal skill
- Reorient health services
