stigma + presentation of self

Question 1

symbolic interactionism

Answer 1

act towards things on basis of meanings they have for us. meaning created + modified through interactions w others.
social interaction = see self through eyes of other + adopt value of community, measure self worth against those values

Question 2

goffman’s self presentation

Answer 2

show self to others = performance. perform role + invite evaluation. manage impression others have of us.

Question 3

what is impression management?

Answer 3

try to shape how others perceive us w hope that we make favourable impression

Question 4

performances are __ and __?

Answer 4

routine + risky = always doing them. can be challenged + questioned. may be called deviant, maybe illness/condition can change how they appear/perform.

Question 5

a performance can be successful when?

Answer 5

it conveys that we are normal,

unsuccessful when we are perceived as different/deviant.

Question 6

goffmans definition of stigma

Answer 6

attribute that is deeply discrediting + that characterisez the bearer as tained and discounted
-> personal characteristic.life threatening illness may create challenge in performance of role = ead to label.

Question 7

two types of stigma

Answer 7

discredited + discreditable

Question 8

what is discredited stigma?

Answer 8

attribute that makes one visually different. clear that doesnt conform.
compensate fo initial loss of status.

Question 9

what is discreditable stigma?

Answer 9

attribute that makes one secretly different, would lead to rejection if secret was revealed. (not apparent immediately, time to recognize disorder/disability)
- try to hide or worry about secret becoming known by critical people. (anxiety related - perceptions change once ppl find out)

Question 10

implications for self-presentation

Answer 10

• passing: hide illness (discreditable)
• disclosing: selectively (discreditable - tell ppl who need to know)
• covering: deflect attention from condition (discredited = cant see disorder)
• deviance disavowal: prove no difference from others (find ways to ensure participation in society)
• challenging: construct difference in way that makes deviant those who discriminate (not me problem, you need to change your perspective)

Question 11

problem with goffmans concept of stigma

Answer 11

1. attribute implies designation has validity = individual characteristic; classifying by attribute is meaningful. more accurate to call “label = stigma is social process = shifts over time.
   b. assume stigma is central to person’s self-concept: feature of person; defined by ways in which others see us.