"Stigma" By Erving Goffman

In Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity, Erving Goffman delves into the social dynamics of stigma, exploring how individuals manage their identities when facing societal disapproval. Goffman’s framework examines the nuanced, often subconscious, ways people adapt to and navigate social settings where their identities are perceived as flawed or "spoiled." Stigma, in Goffman's terms, arises when an individual possesses a trait that society deems undesirable, whether physical, mental, or social. He describes these stigmatized individuals as navigating life with a "discredited" or "discreditable" identity, dependent on whether their stigma is visible or concealed. By dissecting these categories, Goffman brings to light the psychological and social mechanisms that drive individuals to respond to stigma.
Goffman’s analysis is grounded in symbolic interactionism, emphasizing that identity and social interactions shape each other mutually. Individuals with a visible stigma—a discredited identity—often work to normalize their presence, hoping to disarm judgment or reduce social awkwardness. They may employ tactics to "manage" their stigma, such as humor or disclosure, which Goffman terms “information control.” Conversely, those with a discreditable identity strive to conceal their perceived flaw to prevent judgment. This dichotomy offers a powerful lens for understanding how stigmatized individuals adjust to social pressures. Goffman explains that stigma is inherently relational, emerging only when society sets norms against which people are evaluated. A physical disability, for instance, only becomes a stigma if societal expectations elevate physical ability as a standard.
Goffman outlines the strategies individuals use to cope with or conceal their stigmatized identities, such as “passing,” where people hide their stigma from others, or “covering,” which involves downplaying the significance of their stigma. Passing often comes with emotional labor, requiring constant self-surveillance and a fear of exposure. For example, someone with a hidden illness may choose not to disclose their condition to avoid judgment, but this comes with the anxiety of being “found out.” On the other hand, covering involves revealing the stigma in a way that makes it seem less threatening, thereby reducing discomfort for both the individual and others in social interactions. This approach may involve behaviors such as self-deprecating humor or accommodating others’ unease.
In examining these coping mechanisms, Goffman highlights the constant negotiation of self-image that defines the lives of stigmatized individuals. For Goffman, the management of stigma is not only a question of individual adjustment but also a matter of broader social structures that establish norms of acceptability. He notes that these norms are fluid, subject to changes in social perceptions and attitudes. For example, while certain physical disabilities were once stigmatized, modern awareness has shifted, challenging the rigid standards that stigmatized these traits.
Goffman also observes that stigmatized individuals often form support networks or "sympathetic others" who share similar experiences. These networks can provide social validation, helping individuals reaffirm their sense of identity and belonging. Such communities offer a contrast to the judgmental gaze of the broader society, creating a safe space where one’s stigmatized traits are understood and accepted. The support found in these networks can provide a basis for activism or collective resistance against the discrimination individuals face. Goffman’s discussion of such networks underscores the human need for social inclusion, even when mainstream society marginalizes certain identities.
The impact of stigma on identity goes beyond surface interactions, affecting an individual's self-esteem and perception of self-worth. Goffman suggests that the "spoiled identity" can result in internalized stigma, where individuals begin to view themselves through society’s prejudiced lens, leading to self-doubt and lowered confidence. This process of internalization reflects a profound psychological impact, as individuals must wrestle with the duality of their private and social identities. The stigma becomes a burden that infiltrates their self-concept, shaping how they see their place in society.
In Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity, Goffman delivers a compelling examination of how societal judgment infiltrates personal identity, compelling individuals to either conform to or rebel against social expectations. By deconstructing the ways stigmatized individuals navigate the social world, Goffman offers a profound critique of societal norms and prejudices. His work remains relevant, challenging readers to question their biases and understand the invisible challenges faced by those marked by stigma.