Stigma; Notes on the management of spoiled identity

Abstract

The dividing line between normality and stigma is not as deep as a look at the problems of criplles, colostomies, homosexuals, prostitutes, junkies and social minorities might lead us to believe. Three categories of stigmatized individuals are examined: those with physical deformities; persons with character blemishes from records of mental disorder, imprisonment, addiction, alcoholism etc; and those with tribal stigmas including race, religion and nationality. It is concluded that the phenomenon of stigmatization is universal.