Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Stigma by Erving Goffman is a thought-provoking book that delves into the social construction of stigma and its impact on individuals. It offers insightful perspectives on how we perceive and treat those who are labeled as different.
In Stigma, Erving Goffman delves into the concept of stigma, which he defines as an attribute that is deeply discrediting. He explains that stigmatized individuals are seen as different from others in a negative way, leading to their devaluation and exclusion from society. Goffman further categorizes stigma into three types: abominations of the body, blemishes of individual character, and tribal stigma of race, nation, and religion.
Goffman argues that stigmatized individuals are often subjected to various forms of discrimination, including social rejection, economic marginalization, and even physical violence. He emphasizes that these individuals are not only affected by their own personal experiences but also by the societal attitudes and structures that perpetuate their stigmatization.
Continuing his exploration, Goffman introduces the concept of stigma management. He explains that stigmatized individuals often engage in impression management, a process through which they attempt to control the information others have about their stigmatized attribute. This can involve concealing the stigma, revealing it in a controlled manner, or normalizing it by showing that it does not define them entirely.
Goffman also discusses the role of social institutions in stigma management. He argues that institutions such as hospitals, prisons, and mental asylums serve as 'total institutions' where stigmatized individuals are segregated from the rest of society. These institutions, according to Goffman, not only reinforce the stigmatization of their inmates but also provide a controlled environment for managing their stigmatized identities.
Shifting his focus, Goffman explores the impact of stigma on individual identity. He argues that stigmatized individuals often develop a 'spoiled identity' due to their discredited attribute. This spoiled identity, Goffman explains, is a result of the individual's internalization of societal attitudes towards their stigma, leading to feelings of shame, self-doubt, and low self-esteem.
Furthermore, Goffman discusses the concept of 'passing' in the context of stigma. Passing refers to the act of concealing one's stigmatized attribute and presenting oneself as a member of the non-stigmatized group. He explains that passing can be a coping mechanism for stigmatized individuals, allowing them to temporarily escape the negative consequences of their stigma.
In the latter part of Stigma, Goffman highlights the challenges faced by stigmatized individuals in their daily lives. He discusses the impact of stigma on various aspects of life, including employment, relationships, and access to public spaces. Goffman emphasizes that these challenges are not only a result of the individual's stigmatized attribute but also the result of societal structures and norms.
Despite the pervasive nature of stigma, Goffman also acknowledges the resilience and agency of stigmatized individuals. He highlights the various strategies they employ to navigate their stigmatized identities and resist the oppressive forces of stigma. These strategies can include forming supportive communities, advocating for social change, and challenging societal perceptions of their stigmatized attribute.
In conclusion, Stigma by Erving Goffman provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex and multifaceted nature of stigma. Goffman's work sheds light on the lived experiences of stigmatized individuals, the societal mechanisms that perpetuate their stigmatization, and the strategies they employ to manage and resist their discredited identities. By doing so, Goffman encourages readers to critically examine the impact of stigma on individuals and society as a whole.
Stigma by Erving Goffman delves into the social and psychological effects of being labeled as different or deviant by society. Through insightful analysis and real-life examples, Goffman explores how stigmatized individuals navigate their identities and interactions, shedding light on the pervasive impact of stigma on our lives.
Stigma (1963) by Erving Goffman is a thought-provoking exploration of how society shapes our understanding of identity and deviance. Here's why this book is worth reading:
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get startedBlink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
What is the main message of Stigma?
The main message of Stigma is that society often unfairly judges and stigmatizes individuals based on perceived flaws or differences.
How long does it take to read Stigma?
The reading time for Stigma varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Stigma a good book? Is it worth reading?
Stigma is an insightful and thought-provoking book that sheds light on the impact of societal stigma. It is definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of Stigma?
The author of Stigma is Erving Goffman.