Goffman's Theory of Stigma
Goffman's Theory of Stigma is a sociological theory developed by Erving Goffman
that explains how certain characteristics, identities or experiences become
socially devalued, leading individuals to be labelled, stereotyped and treated
differently. In his influential book Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled
Identity (1963), Goffman argued that stigma is not inherent in a person or
condition but arises through social interactions and cultural attitudes. When
society views certain characteristics as undesirable or deviant, individuals may
experience discrimination, exclusion and reduced opportunities. Within social
work, Goffman's theory helps practitioners understand the impact of stigma on
people's identities, relationships, mental health and access to services. It
underpins anti-oppressive, strengths-based and person-centred practice by
encouraging professionals to challenge prejudice and promote social inclusion.
Goffman's work emerged from symbolic interactionism, a sociological
perspective that examines how people create meaning through social
interaction. He argued that identity is shaped not only by personal
characteristics but also by how others perceive and respond to us. Stigma
therefore develops through social processes in which some identities are
regarded as "normal" while others are labelled as different, undesirable or
inferior. Although Goffman originally wrote in the 1960s, his work continues to
influence research into mental health, disability, poverty, homelessness,
substance misuse and many other areas relevant to social work.
Goffman defined stigma as an attribute that is "deeply discrediting", reducing an
individual from a whole and accepted person to someone who is viewed
negatively because of a particular characteristic (Goffman, 1963). Importantly,
the stigma lies not within the person themselves but in society's response to that
characteristic.
Goffman identified three broad types of stigma.
1. Physical Stigma (Abominations of the Body)
This refers to visible physical characteristics that society may perceive
negatively.
Examples include:
Physical disabilities.
, Visible injuries or scarring.
Facial differences.
Chronic physical health conditions.
Individuals may experience prejudice based solely on their appearance rather
than their abilities or character.
2. Character Stigma (Blemishes of Individual Character)
This relates to characteristics or experiences that society associates with moral
weakness or personal failure.
Examples include:
Mental illness.
Substance misuse.
Criminal convictions.
Homelessness.
Unemployment.
Poverty.
Social attitudes may incorrectly attribute these experiences to personal failings
rather than recognising the influence of trauma, inequality or structural
disadvantage.
3. Tribal Stigma
Tribal stigma refers to characteristics associated with membership of a particular
social group.
Examples include:
Ethnicity.
Nationality.
Religion.
Culture.
Sexual orientation.
Individuals may experience discrimination simply because they belong to a
particular group, regardless of their personal characteristics.
Goffman's Theory of Stigma is a sociological theory developed by Erving Goffman
that explains how certain characteristics, identities or experiences become
socially devalued, leading individuals to be labelled, stereotyped and treated
differently. In his influential book Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled
Identity (1963), Goffman argued that stigma is not inherent in a person or
condition but arises through social interactions and cultural attitudes. When
society views certain characteristics as undesirable or deviant, individuals may
experience discrimination, exclusion and reduced opportunities. Within social
work, Goffman's theory helps practitioners understand the impact of stigma on
people's identities, relationships, mental health and access to services. It
underpins anti-oppressive, strengths-based and person-centred practice by
encouraging professionals to challenge prejudice and promote social inclusion.
Goffman's work emerged from symbolic interactionism, a sociological
perspective that examines how people create meaning through social
interaction. He argued that identity is shaped not only by personal
characteristics but also by how others perceive and respond to us. Stigma
therefore develops through social processes in which some identities are
regarded as "normal" while others are labelled as different, undesirable or
inferior. Although Goffman originally wrote in the 1960s, his work continues to
influence research into mental health, disability, poverty, homelessness,
substance misuse and many other areas relevant to social work.
Goffman defined stigma as an attribute that is "deeply discrediting", reducing an
individual from a whole and accepted person to someone who is viewed
negatively because of a particular characteristic (Goffman, 1963). Importantly,
the stigma lies not within the person themselves but in society's response to that
characteristic.
Goffman identified three broad types of stigma.
1. Physical Stigma (Abominations of the Body)
This refers to visible physical characteristics that society may perceive
negatively.
Examples include:
Physical disabilities.
, Visible injuries or scarring.
Facial differences.
Chronic physical health conditions.
Individuals may experience prejudice based solely on their appearance rather
than their abilities or character.
2. Character Stigma (Blemishes of Individual Character)
This relates to characteristics or experiences that society associates with moral
weakness or personal failure.
Examples include:
Mental illness.
Substance misuse.
Criminal convictions.
Homelessness.
Unemployment.
Poverty.
Social attitudes may incorrectly attribute these experiences to personal failings
rather than recognising the influence of trauma, inequality or structural
disadvantage.
3. Tribal Stigma
Tribal stigma refers to characteristics associated with membership of a particular
social group.
Examples include:
Ethnicity.
Nationality.
Religion.
Culture.
Sexual orientation.
Individuals may experience discrimination simply because they belong to a
particular group, regardless of their personal characteristics.
