Social stigma

Stigmatization

Nature

A social stigma is a mark of disgrace imposed on an individual by other individuals or a social group. In popular usage it often refers to any negative sanction or to disapproval for nonconformity.

An undesirable differentness of an individual that disqualifies him or her from full social acceptance. It is an attribute or stereotype that departs negatively from the expectations of others.

Incidence

A 2019 global survey by the World Health Organization found that over 50% of people with mental health conditions in low- and middle-income countries experience social stigma, leading to discrimination and social exclusion. In India, a 2021 study published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry reported that 42% of people living with HIV faced social stigma, affecting their access to healthcare and employment. Social stigma is prevalent across diverse societies, impacting individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and infectious diseases.
In 2014, in Dallas, Texas, a Liberian man diagnosed with Ebola faced intense social stigma, with neighbors and community members avoiding his family and spreading misinformation. This led to isolation and harassment, despite public health officials’ efforts to educate the community.

Claim

Different patterns of coercion and exclusion have been exercised over time against socially stigmatized groups, notably those thereby defined as mad.

Counter-claim

Social stigma is often exaggerated and used as a scapegoat for personal failures. In reality, individuals have the power to rise above societal perceptions. Focusing on stigma distracts from addressing real issues like personal responsibility and resilience. People should prioritize self-improvement rather than seeking validation from others. By emphasizing stigma, we undermine the strength of individuals to overcome challenges, making it a trivial concern in the grand scheme of personal and societal progress.