PSYC12H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Stereotype Threat, Erving Goffman, Reference Group
Document Summary
Many people try to fit in with majority to not be singled out for ridicule or treated negatively by others. This treatment is common among children who have not learned socially sophisticated methods of expressing disproval. Among adults this takes forms in subtle negative comments, rude behaviour or expressions. Erving goffin referred to the unusual characteristics that engender negative evaluations as being indicators of stigma. The stigmatized person is one who is reduced in our minds from a whole and usual person to a tainted, discounted one". * researchers know a lot about the perpetrators view (the one who stigmatizes) but until recently, little research has been conducted on the experience of the victim and how both stigmatized and nonstigmatized individuals regard e/o in social interactions. Subsequent research has indicated that whether the individual has already strongly personally identified with their stigmatized group will have a major impact on the degree to which that individual disassociates from the group.
