Stigma (Erving Goffman)

Stigma, as explained by Erving Goffman, refers to a societal disapproval or negative perception attached to a person or group because of a particular characteristic, such as illness, disability, or background. This stigma leads to marginalized treatment, where individuals are often seen as less than or different, impacting their self-esteem and social opportunities. Goffman emphasizes that stigma isn’t just about personal flaws but about societal labels and stereotypes that create distance and bias, shaping how people are perceived and treated based on attributes beyond their control.