Representation of Disability and Stigma
Stigma and Disability are not the same thing.
Before reading notes on Stigma consider the types of representation of Disability and the types of Disability represented.
· Disability is an umbrella term that often treats a diverse range of disabilities as homogeneous.
· Are able bodied people playing the role of disabled?
· Are disabled people playing disabled characters.
· To what extent is the disability the ‘story’?
· Does the representation seek to make you feel pity?
· Is the representation used for humour?
· Why has the encoder chosen to represent disability in this way and what does it make you the decoder feel?
concept of stigma (Erving Goffman)
certain kinds of status (e.g., outcastes, HIV positive people, gypsies) possess inherent states of purity/pollution
stigma is an ascribed attribute of individuals (attached to individuals by virtue of their perceived affliation with a stigmatized category or group)
stigma is part of the social and cultural order, however, in so far as it is impossible for an individual to remove stigma from oneself
stigma becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy; stigmatized social roles reproduce themselves as “social facts” regardless of “objective reasons or externally visible markers” (Durkheim)
stigma as social fact hard, if not impossible, to erase
In Stigma, Goffman classifies two different types of persons. the discredited and the discreditable. The Discredited are those whose stigma is known by the "normals," and the Discreditable are those whose stigma is not yet know but rather balancing in a precarious situation. The discredited are concerned with "managing tension"; that which is brought about by the stigma.Conversely, the discreditable are concerned with "managing information" as to not let others know of his/her stigma. It is through this framework that Goffman provides a detailed look into the lives of those who have been burden to posses a stigma. An insightful read for "normals" and most importantly for the stigmatized.
More on social constructionism – we create the meaning of social situations and interactions; meaning of an act (or an object) is not in the behavior (or object) itself; instead, the meaning is created in our interpretation of the act (object)
Stigma
Erving Goffman (1963)
To be considered deviant – you don’t have to do anything… Goffman’s classic work on “Stigma” -- focuses on the interaction rituals between what Goffman called stigmatized people and “normals”. We are all stigmatized people at various points in interaction. Goffman provides a detailed account of the types and meaning of stigma and the methods through which we manage stigma.
Stigma: In studying stigma, Goffman was interested in what a person “ought to be” (socially defined) compared to his or her actual identity (performance). When there is a gap between the ideal and the actual presentation of self – there is stigma.
Two Types of Stigma
A. Discredited Stigma
- - The actor assumes that his/her audiences knows the difference between what ought to be and what is
- - Example: A woman missing an arm
- - Main challenge to the performance – is managing tension created because the audience is aware of the gap between ideal and actual
Managing Discredited Stigma:
- Disavowal – or normalize the situation; Examples: Civil inattention (pretend not to notice); talk about something else
- Avowal – openly acknowlege in an attempt to diffuse
B. Discreditable Stigma
- The actor assumes that the difference between ideal and actual is not perceived by audience
- Example: Gay man passing as a straight.
- Main challenge for performance is managing information so that the stigma remains unknown.
Managing Discreditable Stigma
- Passing -- avoid stigma symbols (don’t dress a certain way); lead a double life
2. Covering – (involves teamwork of others) – pretend not to notice slips (accent);
Discredited | Discreditable | ||
Disavowal | Avowal | Passing | Covering |
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