stigma - is about 2 things
1. PERSONAL catergorization of others and LABELLING , the assumptions we make based on ths
plus
deep seated structural factors renforced by mass manstream and socal meda ESP LANGUAGE USE
STGMA - AN attrbute behavor or reputaton socally discrediting in some way causing to be classified as undesirable rejected stereotyped tather than normal
involves disapproval w a person a group on te grounds of characterisitcs
process of stigma attribution works thru stereotyoes!:
generalized cognitions
prejudices :
iindiiivdualzed peeeersonalllllllllllyyyyyy done negatve emotonal judgements
discrimination!!:
actual behavor
important
important
How many tyoes of stgma
___ types
———————-
t1 - publc stgma - publc endorses neg stereotpes resultng n dscrm
t2- self stmga person nternalzes
t3 - perceved stgma - belief of others having neg beliefs
t4- label avoidance by not seeking treatment
t5 - stigma by association courtesy stigma associative stimga- stigma stretching beyond the person w conditoon tto eperson suirrpunde dby
t6 struc stigma - decreased opport
t7 health practicer stigma - doc makes neg stigma affecting care
7 types
- “Spoiled Identity” (Stigmatized Identity)
A “spoiled identity” occurs when an individual is disqualified from full social acceptance because they possess a “stigma”—a characteristic that is considered demeaning, undesirable, or abnormal by society.
The Process: Society creates “normal” standards; individuals falling outside these norms are labeled “different”.
The Consequence: The stigmatized person is reduced from a whole, usual person to a “tainted” or “discounted” one.
Internalization: Stigmatized individuals often internalize these societal standards, leading to feelings of shame, inferiority, and self-hatred. - Discredited vs. Discreditable Subjects
Goffman (1963) distinguished between two types of stigmatized individuals based on the visibility of their attribute and the knowledge others have of it.
The Discredited (Visible/Known Stigma)
These are individuals whose stigma is immediately apparent or known to the audience (e.g., physical disability, visible burn scars, known criminal record).
Core Conflict: Managing the tension created by the stigma in social interaction.
Challenge: They cannot hide their difference, so they must deal with the immediate, often awkward, reactions of “normals” (non-stigmatized people).
Management Strategy: The discredited may try to use humor, or “cover” (act as if the stigma is not a big deal) to make others comfortable.
The Discreditable (Concealable/Unknown Stigma)
These are individuals whose stigma is hidden or unknown to the audience, making them vulnerable to being “discredited” if the secret is revealed (e.g., mental illness, HIV status, sexual orientation, past criminal record).
Core Conflict: Managing information to keep the secret.
Challenge: They live in constant fear of exposure.
Management Strategy: They use “passing”—presenting themselves as a “normal” person, requiring high-effort information control.
Question:
A 25-year-old secondary school teacher was diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy as a child. Their condition is well-controlled with medication and they’ve never experienced a seizure when teaching. They did not disclose the diagnosis to their employers when they first applied for the job as they feared that this might have impacted on their selection.
In terms of Goffman’s theory on stigma, what concept is most clearly relevant to the situation described here?
Options:
A. It’s an example of a discreditable attribute
B. It’s an example of a discredited attribute
C. It’s a stereotype that with epilepsy people are liable to seizures
D. The teacher has experienced direct discrimination
E. The teacher is experiencing imposter syndrome
✅ Correct answer: A — Discreditable attribute
Why:
In Goffman’s terms:
Discreditable = the stigma is concealable / not immediately visible
Discredited = the stigma is known or visible
The teacher’s epilepsy is hidden, well controlled, and not known to the employer.
The key issue is non-disclosure due to fear of stigma, not actual discrimination.
👉 Your answer 1 – A is correct ✅
Question:
A group of parents of primary school children form a ‘soccer Dads and Mums’ group on WhatsApp to co-ordinate lifts to football practice for their children and to raise money for new changing room facilities. They discuss inviting the mother of a physically disabled child, but decide not to ask her if she wants to join the group as ‘she’ll only be embarrassed’ and ‘clearly her son will never be able to play football’.
Which type of stigma is most clearly demonstrated by the parents’ behaviour?
Options:
A. Courtesy stigma
B. Imposter syndrome
C. Public stigma
D. Self stigma
E. Structural stigma
✅ Correct answer: A — Courtesy stigma
Why:
Courtesy stigma = stigma experienced by people associated with someone who is stigmatised.
Here:
The mother is excluded because of her association with her disabled child
Assumptions are made on her behalf without asking her
This is not:
Self-stigma (internalised)
Structural stigma (policy/institutional)
Imposter syndrome (completely irrelevant)
👉 Your answer 2 – A is correct ✅
Sample SBA Question (3) – Transcription
Question:
A local community group is launched on social media to oppose the planned opening of a ‘dry’ hostel for men and women with substance use problems. They argue that the presence of the hostel will lower house prices and increase crime in the area. One group member posts:
‘We don’t want our children playing among dirty needles and surrounded by paedophiles’.
What conceptual aspect(s) of labelling behaviour are most clearly demonstrated by the group’s activities?
Options:
A. Class prejudice
B. Cognitive stereotyping
C. Cognitive stereotyping and emotional prejudice
D. Gender beliefs
E. Indirect discrimination
✅ Correct answer: C — Cognitive stereotyping and emotional prejudice
Why:
Cognitive stereotyping:
Assuming people with substance use problems are criminals / paedophiles
Emotional prejudice:
Fear, disgust, moral panic (“dirty needles”, “children”, “paedophiles”)
This is classic labelling theory: assigning deviant identities → social exclusion
👉 Your answer 3 – C is correct ✅
