The Importance Of Stigma In Society

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Ahmedani 2011 described stigma as branding or labelling of an individual or a group of people as rejects. This make the society perceive the person or the group of people different from what the perception of a normal people are. For example, calling an individual with drug or alcohol issue a nuisance. This is labelling which will affect their self-image. The society then act and behave according to their believes towards them.

Through my reading, I identified that there are two aspects to stigma. public stigma and self-stigma.

public stigma talks about the perception and reaction held by the public about people with disability, or needing support. I understand that when stigma is observed by people who need access to care, the fear of being stereotyped or victimize prevents them from access the care they need. Self- stigma refers to prejudice held against oneself. This happen when one self- esteem has been affected. For example, viewing an individual with mental illness or disability as an inconvenience to the public. This might trigger a sense of guilt ad sense of worth. This might lead to withdrawal ad refusing care that is needed. (Elisa Pattyn et.al 2014) …show more content…

Thompson 2016 describe discrimination as two things. First, identifying that an individual or a group of people are different from the norm. This might be due to their: race; beliefs; sex; age; or social status. Secondly using the difference as a reason for unfair treatment to the individual or the group of people. He further highlighted that discrimination can have more negative effect when the use of power is

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