SOC311H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Stereotype Threat, Erving Goffman, Sex Offender Registries In The United States
Document Summary
Goffman 1963: an attribute that is deeply discrediting. Link and phelan 2001: a rationale for devaluing, rejecting and excluding particular groups of individuals. Stigma happens with elements of labelling, stereotyping, discrimination, status loss, and separation - they all co-occur together. Based on this negative attribute someone is labelled with, a rationale is constructed, excluding them from rights, opportunities etc. Not inherent in the attribute but realized in interaction with the non- stigmatized. It is the reaction to the attribute that is important, specifically the reaction that occurs when stigmatized groups interact with non-stigmatized groups. Examples of stigmatized identities: individuals with mhi, race, homelessness, addiction issues, health issues (hiv+), class, sexuality. Being barred from employment, not being able to volunteer, loosing benefits (access to public housing, food stamps) They know they are stigmatized - tension they feel in interactions b/c they know people may react to them.
